35+ Best Argentinian Slang Every Expat Should Know

As I sat at my desk, working my remote job, a crazy idea popped into my head: why not apply for the Argentina Digital Nomad Visa? The thought of working from Buenos Aires cafes was irresistible. But before I got too excited, I realized there was one crucial thing I needed to master: the language.

Sure, Spanish is Argentina's official language, but let's face it – textbook Spanish and street Spanish are worlds apart! To truly immerse myself in Argentine culture, I knew I'd need to get a handle on the local Argentine slang.

That's why I've put together this list of 18 essential Argentinian slang terms. Whether you're a digital nomad, an expat, or just curious about Argentine Spanish, these phrases will help you sound like a local in no time.

Curious? Let's dig into these Argentine-Spanish slang words and expressions!

Popular Argentinian Slang Words

Che

"Che" is a quintessential Argentine interjection, similar to "hey" or "yo" in English. It's used to get someone's attention, express surprise, or simply add a friendly, casual tone to your speech. You'll hear it constantly in everyday Argentine conversations.

• "Che, ¿me pasás la sal?" (Hey, can you pass the salt?)

Re

"Re" is an intensifier in Argentine slang, equivalent to "very" or "really" in English. It's incredibly versatile and can be placed in front of almost any adjective to amplify its meaning. "Re" can also stand alone as an emphatic affirmative response.

• "La película estuvo rebuena." (The movie was really good.)

Chamuyar

"Chamuyar" is a popular word in Argentina that primarily means to flirt or seduce. It can also refer to persuading someone or smooth-talking, often without solid arguments. In dating contexts, it's frequently used to describe the act of hitting on someone.

• "Juan está chamuyando a la chica en la barra." (Juan is hitting on the girl at the bar.)

Volá

"Volá" is a blunt and somewhat rude Argentine slang command meaning "get out" or "leave". It's derived from the verb "volar" (to fly), but in this context, it's used as an imperative to tell someone to leave quickly or buzz off.

• "Volá de acá de una vez." (Buzz off from here right now.)

This slang term is quite direct and can be considered impolite, so it's best used among close friends or in situations where you intend to be assertive or confrontational.

Boludo

Boludo is arguably the most essential piece of Argentine slang. While its literal translation implies stupidity, its meaning can vary greatly depending on context and tone.

Examples:

• "Boludo, ¿vas a hacer algo el fin de semana?" (Dude, are you going to do anything on the weekend?)
• "¡No seas boludo! ¿Cómo no vas a entender algo tan simple?" (Don't be so dumb! How can you not understand something so simple?)

Originally a strong insult implying stupidity, it has evolved into a versatile term used affectionately among friends, similar to "dude" or "mate" in English. Its meaning can vary greatly depending on context and tone.

Pibe/Piba

"Pibe" (masculine) and "Piba" (feminine) are common Argentine slang terms for "boy" or "girl," or more broadly, "guy" or "gal." These words are often used as alternatives to the standard Spanish "chico" or "chica" and can refer to children, teenagers, or young adults.

• "Cuidado con el pibe en la cocina, se puede quemar." (Watch the kid in the kitchen, he could get burned.)
• "Las pibas están organizando una fiesta este fin de semana." (The girls are organizing a party this weekend.)

Quilombo

"Quilombo" is a versatile Argentine slang term that generally refers to a mess, chaos, or a disorganized situation. It can be used to describe physical disorders or more abstract concepts like complicated situations or conflicts.

• "Mi habitación es un quilombo." (My room is a mess.)

Laburo

"Laburo" is the Argentine slang equivalent of "trabajo" (work or job). Basically, the term laburo is derived from the Italian word 'lavoro', reflecting the linguistic influence of Italian on Argentine Spanish.

Today, it's used very commonly in everyday speech to refer to one's job or work-related matters. The verb form "laburar" (to work) is also commonly used:

• "Estoy laburando horas extra este mes." (I'm working overtime this month.)

Sarpado

"Sarpado" is an Argentine slang term that describes something that exceeds or surpasses expectations, either positively or negatively. It's similar to saying "over the top" or "extreme" in English.

• "El concierto estuvo sarpado." (The concert was incredible/amazing.)
• "Su reacción fue re sarpada." (His reaction was way over the top.)

Mina

"Mina" is Argentine slang for "woman" or "girl," typically used to refer to a woman you don't know well. While not particularly flattering, it's often used without negative intentions in casual conversation.

• "Che, ¿conocés a esa mina?" (Hey, do you know that girl?)

Note: Use this term cautiously, as some may find it disrespectful.

Pelotudo

"Pelotudo" is similar to "boludo" but generally carries a stronger, more negative connotation. When someone is called a 'pelotudo', it can make them 'tener una vena', meaning they become extremely angry or upset.

Generally, this term is used to describe someone unpleasant or with a toxic attitude. Like "boludo," its impact has softened over time, but it remains more offensive.

• "Mi jefe es un pelotudo, siempre llega tarde a las reuniones." (My boss is a jerk, he's always late to meetings.)

Forro

"Forro" is a strong insult in Argentine slang, used to describe someone who is extremely annoying, an idiot, or a jerk. It's not light-hearted and should be used with caution.

• "El nuevo vecino es un forro, pone música a todo volumen a las 3 de la mañana." (The new neighbor is a jerk, he blasts music at 3 in the morning.)

Wacho

"Wacho" is a term for a mischievous or cheeky person, often used affectionately among friends or to describe playful kids. It's generally well-intentioned.

• "¡Qué wacho este pibe! Se comió todas las galletitas sin que nadie se diera cuenta." (What a rascal this kid is! He ate all the cookies without anyone noticing.)

Groso

"Groso" is used to describe someone or something as excellent, impressive, or "the best." It's a very positive term.

• "La nueva película de Campanella es grosa, tenés que verla." (Campanella's new movie is awesome, you have to see it.)

Bárbaro

Despite its literal meaning of "barbarian," in Argentine slang, "bárbaro" means "awesome," "amazing," or "wow." It's used to express strong approval or admiration.

• "El asado de anoche estuvo bárbaro, ¡qué bien cocina tu viejo!" (Last night's barbecue was awesome, your dad cooks so well!)

Pedo

In Argentine slang, "pedo" is a chameleon of a word, changing its meaning dramatically based on context. While it literally means "fart," its slang uses are far more diverse and often unrelated to its original meaning.

1. "Ni en pedo": Emphatic refusal Example: "¿Saltarías en paracaídas?" "Ni en pedo, le tengo terror a las alturas." ("Would you go skydiving?" "No way in hell, I'm terrified of heights.")
2. "Estar al pedo": Being idle or unproductive Example: "Después de renunciar, estuve al pedo por dos meses." ("After quitting, I was twiddling my thumbs for two months.")
3. "En pedo": Intoxicated Example: "Anoche llegué en pedo y hoy tengo una resaca terrible." ("Last night I got home wasted and now I have a terrible hangover.")
4. "De pedo": By fluke or happenstance Example: "De pedo me crucé con mi ex en el supermercado después de diez años." ("By sheer coincidence, I ran into my ex at the supermarket after ten years.")
5. "A los pedos": At high speed Example: "El colectivero iba a los pedos, pensé que nos matábamos." ("The bus driver was going so fast, I thought we were going to die.")

"Pedo" also appears in other phrases like "cagar a pedos" (to reprimand harshly) and "el año del pedo" (ages ago). Its versatility makes it a fascinating but tricky part of Argentine slang. Use it with caution – your meaning might not be as clear as you think!

Trucho

"Trucho" describes something counterfeit, low-quality, or unreliable. It's the Argentine way of saying "fake" or "sketchy."

• "No compres esa marca, es re trucha. Se me rompió a la semana." (Don't buy that brand, it's super fake. It broke on me after a week.)

¿Viste?

This filler phrase peppers Argentine speech, similar to how English speakers use "you know?" It can appear anywhere in a sentence, adding emphasis or seeking agreement.

• "El tráfico está terrible hoy, ¿viste? Como siempre cuando llueve, ¿viste?" (Traffic is terrible today, you know? As always when it rains, see?)

Morfar

"Morfar" is the Argentine slang verb for "to eat," with "morfi" being the noun for "food" or "meal."

• "Che, ¿vamos a morfar algo? Me muero de hambre." (Hey, shall we grab some grub? I'm starving.)

Flashear

"Flashear" means to imagine wildly, exaggerate, or have unrealistic ideas. Someone who's "flashero/a" tends to overdramatize situations.

• "No flashees, nadie te está persiguiendo. Solo es paranoia." (Don't get carried away, nobody's following you. It's just paranoia.)

Cheto

"Cheto" refers to someone or something posh, high-class, or expensive. It can have a negative connotation, implying snobbery.

• "El nuevo restaurante es re cheto, los precios son una locura." (The new restaurant is super posh, the prices are insane.)

Canchero

A "canchero" is someone skilled or experienced, but often with a hint of cockiness or showing off.

• "No te hagas el canchero, todos sabemos que es tu primera vez esquiando." (Don't act all cocky, we all know it's your first time skiing.)

Argentine Slang Expressions

Argentine Spanish isn't just about individual words - it's also rich with colorful expressions that can leave newcomers scratching their heads. These phrases add flavor and depth to everyday conversations, offering unique ways to describe situations, emotions, and experiences.

Let's get to know some of the most common and interesting Argentine slang expressions that you might encounter on the streets of Buenos Aires or in casual chats with locals.

These expressions showcase the creativity and humor inherent in Argentine Spanish, offering a glimpse into the culture's unique way of viewing the world.

Why Learn Argentinian Slang Words?

Having some knowledge on Argentinian slang isn't just about adding colorful words to your vocabulary—it's your secret weapon for truly mastering Spanish.

Here's why embracing the lingo of Buenos Aires and beyond is a total must:

1. Cultural Immersion: Slang like "che boludo" or "qué quilombo" opens doors to authentic Argentine culture. You'll understand jokes, relate to locals, and feel the pulse of the country in a way textbook Spanish never allows.
2. Practical Communication: When a porteño tells you "ni en pedo" or "ya fue," you'll know exactly what they mean. This real-world language helps you navigate daily life, from ordering coffee to making friends.
3. Linguistic Flexibility: Argentine Spanish, influenced by Italian and other European languages, challenges you to think differently about language. Mastering "estar al pedo" or "mandar fruta" sharpens your language skills overall.
4. Social Connection: Using slang like "che" or "mina" instantly breaks down barriers. It shows locals you're making an effort to truly understand their world, not just passing through.
5. Enhanced Comprehension: From tango lyrics to Spanish poems, Argentinian slang is everywhere. Learning it unlocks a deeper understanding of media, music, and literature.

By embracing Argentinian slang, you're not just learning Spanish—you're gaining a passport to a rich, vibrant culture. Whether you're planning a trip to La Tierra or simply want to expand your language skills, these words and phrases are your key to becoming a true Spanish language chameleon.

So why settle for basic Spanish when you can speak like a true porteño? ¡Dale, che! It's time to level up your language game!

Learn Slang Words And More At Lingopie

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Plus, you'll pick up on the nuances of pronunciation, intonation, and body language that accompany these colorful expressions!

Whether you're planning a trip to Argentina, looking to connect with Argentine friends, or simply want to expand your Spanish skills, Lingopie's features offer an engaging, effective way to master not just Argentine slang, but the entire spectrum of how the language is truly used. So why wait? Give Lingopie a try now!