Spanish Slang and Expressions used in Argentina
Che - an informal greeting used to address someone, similar to "hey" or "dude" in English.
Boludo/a - a term that can be used in a friendly or insulting way, depending on the context. It's often used as a way to refer to someone who's silly or foolish.
Laburar - to work.
Morfar - to eat.
Cheto/a - a person who is seen as snobbish or pretentious.
Fiaca - laziness or lack of motivation.
Buena onda - someone who is easy-going and friendly.
Pedo - this word can mean several things depending on the context. It can mean "fart," "problem," or "drunk."
Chau - a casual way of saying goodbye.
Mina - a slang term for a woman, similar to "chick" in English.
Pibe/a - a slang term for a young boy or girl.
Garpar - to pay.
Facho/a - a derogatory term for someone who is politically conservative or fascist.
Guita - money.
Laburar de sol a sol - to work from sunrise to sunset.
En bolas - to be naked.
Re - a word used to intensify adjectives, similar to "very" or "really" in English.
Tomar el pelo - to tease or make fun of someone.
Boliche - a nightclub or bar.
Pagar el pato - to take the blame for something that you didn't do.
Guita en mano - to have money in hand.
Guita fácil - easy money.
Camarita - a small camera or smartphone camera.
Pibe chorro - a young thief.
Laburar en negro - to work under the table or off the books.
Ponerse las pilas - to get serious or start working harder.
Nene/nena - a term of endearment used for a young boy or girl.
Picante - spicy, but can also mean something that is exciting or provocative.
Quilombo - a mess or chaotic situation.
Zarpado/a - someone who is outrageous or extreme.
Laburar como un burro - to work like a donkey, meaning to work very hard.
Guita no hay - there's no money.
Chupamedias - a brown-noser or suck-up.
Ponerse las botas - to indulge or enjoy oneself, often with food or drink.
Chamuyar - to talk or chat in a charming or persuasive way.
Laburar en equipo - to work as a team.
Salir de gira - to go out partying or on a night out.
Tomar la posta - to take over or continue from someone else.
Bajonazo - a sudden feeling of sadness or depression.
Caer de maduro - to be obvious or self-evident.
Re contra - an intensifier, similar to "very" or "extremely" in English.
Morfi - food.
Aguante - an expression of support or encouragement, similar to "go for it" or "hang in there."
Cana - the police.
Garrón - a disappointment or letdown.
Laburar de sol a sombra - to work from sunrise to sunset.
Tener aguante - to have endurance or stamina.
Chupar - to drink, often used in the context of drinking alcohol.
Coger - to have sex. Note that this word can be considered vulgar in some contexts.
Laburar de gorra - to work for free or for very little pay.
Patear la calle - to walk around the city or go for a walk.
Apretar - to pressure or intimidate someone.
Morfarse - to eat all of something, often used in the context of finishing a meal or snack.
Guita sucia - money obtained through illegal or unethical means.
Chamuyero/a - someone who talks a lot but may not necessarily be telling the truth.
Ser un fiasco - to be a failure or disappointment.
Hacerse el/la boludo/a - to pretend not to know or not to understand something.
Laburar en lo que venga - to work in any job that comes along, often used in the context of being flexible or adaptable.
Tener mala leche - to be unlucky or have bad luck.
Quemar las naves - to burn one's bridges, meaning to do something irreversible or commit fully to a particular course of action.