The slang in Argentina is so rich it has its own name: Lunfardo. Consequently, most non-natives are puzzled by the Argentinian slang words they hear in rapid-fire conversations.
If you yearn to understand your Argentine friends better and to add an extra touch of authenticity to your language skills, you’re in for a treat!
In this blog post, we will uncover the hidden gems, “las joyas,” of slang in Argentina, providing you with valuable knowledge to understand locals. Get ready to dive into the captivating world of Argentine slang and discover the Argentine words and phrases that will make you sound like a true porteño!
Understanding Slang in Argentina:
What is Argentine Slang?
Argentine slang, also known as “Lunfardo,” is a unique blend of Spanish, Italian, and indigenous influences, reflecting the country ‘s rich cultural history. Embraced by locals and deeply ingrained in everyday conversations, mastering Argentine slang words is the key to sounding natural and connecting with your friends on a deeper level.
5 Essential Argentine Slang Words
To truly unlock the secrets of Argentine slang, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with common Argentine words that pepper conversations and add a distinctive flair to the language. From “laburo” (work) to “mina” (girl), these everyday terms will make you feel like a true insider in no time.
Let’s begin with these 5 essential Argentine slang words:
1- Che: This is a key word for Argentine Lunfardo. It is similar to ‘HEY’ in English. It can be used in different contexts, but mostly to call other people’s attention. For example: “Che, ¿quieren ir al cine?“, which translates as “Hey, would you like to go to the movies?”
Learn more about “che” here: https://easyargentinespanish.com/che/
2- Pibe: The word pibe/a is the Spanish slang for chico/a, which means “girl” or “boy”.
Find out more about this word here: https://easyargentinespanish.com/pibe/
3- Copado: It is the Argentine Spanish slang for “cool”. We use this word in moments of satisfaction, happiness, joy, etc. Therefore, this word has a positive connotation.
Learn more about “copado” here: https://easyargentinespanish.com/copado/
4- Re: One of the most used Argentine slang words is “re”. Re is the slang for “muy” or “very”. So, instead of saying “muy lindo” we say “re lindo”, “muy bueno” becomes “re bueno”, and so on.
Get more info about this useful word here: https://easyargentinespanish.com/re/
5- Boludo/a: This one can be an insult, meaning “stupid,” or a friendly way to say “dude” or “mate.” Be careful when you use it!
Argentine Slang Phrases to Speak With Friends
In addition to the essential words, it’s convenient to know a couple of Argentine slang phrases. This will allow you to sound more natural and confident when you speak to friends.
¿Che, tomamos unas birras?
Instead of saying “¿quieres tomar unas cervezas?,” use some slang words. When inviting someone to drink a beer, make sure to mention the words “che” and “birra” (slang for beer) to sound like a local.
¿Qué hacés, che? ¿Todo piola?
When greeting a friend, you’re allowed to be more informal. Make sure to mention the words “che” and “piola” (cool) in your salutation. Instead of “¿Cómo estás? ¿Todo bien?”, opt for the option “¿Qué hacés, che? ¿Todo piola?” to sound more Argentinian.
¿Mateamos?
As a result of our love for drinking mate, South Americans have created the verb “matear”. Instead of saying “¿quieres tomar unos mates?”, say “¿mateamos?” (meaning would you like to drink mates) to sound more natural.
Fun Argentina Slang Phrases
Knowing a couple of Argentine slang phrases helps get a better grasp of the Argentine sense of humor and cultural nuances. From “estar al pedo” (to have nothing to do) to “hacer quilombo” (to make a mess), mastering these phrases will add a touch of charm to your interactions.
¿Estás al pedo? ¡Hagamos algo!
Estar al pedo means to be free and have nothing to do. So if you’re curious whether your friend is free and willing to hang out with you, say: “¿Estás al pedo? ¡Hagamos algo!” to mimic the local linguistic vibe. What this means is “Are you free? Let’s do something together!”
¡Vamos a hacer quilombo!
Quilombo is the slang word in Spanish for ‘embrollo’ and ‘lío’, which mean “a mess”. Therefore, “hacer quilombo” is, basically, to make a mess. If you’re feeling rebellious and want your friends to join you, say: “¡Vamos a hacer quilombo!” like an Argentinian would.
Learn more about the word quilombo here: https://easyargentinespanish.com/quilombo/
Te re cebaste
When someone is very enthusiastic about doing something and won’t stop, we say “te re cebaste” or “me re cebé,” “estoy re cebado/a con…”.
While there isn’t a direct translation that captures the exact meaning, a possible equivalent in English could be “you got really pumped” or “you got super excited.” Therefore, if you’d like to convey the idea of someone becoming extremely enthusiastic or energized about a particular situation or event, say “te re cebaste” to blend in linguistically with the locals.
Mastering Slang for Authentic Connections
Becoming fluent in Argentine slang is more than just learning a few words or phrases; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture and connecting with the locals on a deeper level. Embrace the Argentine way of life, engage in conversations with native speakers, and let the vibrant expressions become second nature to you.
Conclusion
By delving into the fascinating world of Argentine slang, you’re opening doors to authentic connections and a deeper understanding of Argentine culture. The Argentine words and phrases you’ve discovered here will enable you to sound more natural, impress your friends, and make lasting memories. So, go ahead and embrace the charm of Argentine slang!
Remember, practice makes perfect, so immerse yourself in conversations with native speakers, explore local literature and music, and keep enriching your knowledge of Argentine slang. With time and dedication, you’ll soon find yourself effortlessly blending in with your Argentine friends and experiencing the true essence of their language.
Start your journey today, and let the secrets of slang in Argentina unfold before you, one fascinating phrase at a time.
Don’t forget to follow me on social media:Instagram – Pinterest – Linkedin– Youtube
