Slang in Argentina
Slang in Argentina
See also Mexican Slang, Spanish Slang, Spanish Insults
Argentina has a unique vocabulary of slang expressions that you won’t hear in any other country, except perhaps in neighboring Uruguay.
Below is a list of some of the most common slang expressions that I have heard used by locals in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Popular Slang Expressions in Argentina
atorrante – a scumbag, a useless person, a bum. My favorite usage of this word is in the song Otra Noche en La Viruta by Otros Aires.
baboso/a – lusty, horny. For example, a man who leers lustily at a sexy woman is “baboso”.
bárbaro – great, awesome, fantastic
Example:
¡Que bárbaro!
That’s awesome!
boludo – stupid, idiot. also used somewhat affectionately among friends and buddies
chau – bye
che – hey, yo. dude, man. often used to get someone’s attention
cola – rear end, butt. similar to “culo” but less vulgar
grande – old
Example:
Es muy grande.
He’s really old.
guita – money
mina – girl, woman, babe. informal but not usually derogatory
palo verde – one million American dollars
un sarmiento – a 50 peso bill. The bill features an illustration of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento.
More Argentine Slang
The most complete and accurate list of Argentine slang I have seen so far is Pablo David Flores’ list at Oh Buenos Aires. Here’s the link: Argentine Spanish Slang Dictionary at Oh Buenos Aires
