{"id":135485,"date":"2023-09-16T21:52:07","date_gmt":"2023-09-17T01:52:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/learn-argentine-spanish-slang-words\/"},"modified":"2025-02-25T23:35:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T04:35:24","slug":"learn-argentine-spanish-slang-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/learn-argentine-spanish-slang-words\/","title":{"rendered":"Unique Features of Argentinian Spanish (Pronunciation, Vocabulary and More)"},"content":{"rendered":"

For whatever reason, maybe after watching\u00a0“Evita”<\/em><\/a> or\u00a0tasting your first\u00a0empanada<\/em>\u00a0(meat-filled pastry)<\/a>, you’ve decided to take on Argentinian Spanish.\u00a0Congratulations: You’re about to adopt one of the most unique Spanish accents and vocabulary in the book.<\/p>\n

In this post, you’ll learn all about Argentinian Spanish<\/strong>, from the pronunciation to some essential words and phrases!<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Argentinian Spanish Basics<\/h2>\n

If you want to learn how to speak Argentinian Spanish<\/a>, you’ve got to learn to talk like porte\u00f1os<\/em>.\u00a0Porte\u00f1os<\/em>, as Buenos Aires residents are commonly called (the word is derived from puerto<\/em> (harbor) and refers to \u201cpeople of the harbor\u201d), are reputed for their highly expressive manner of speech.<\/p>\n

A wave of Italian immigration at the beginning of the 20th century is largely to blame; as immigrants adopted Spanish as their new tongue, they kept their native peninsula’s singsong intonations and expansive gestures.<\/p>\n

Let’s start by taking a look at two rather tricky topics.<\/p>\n

Dealing with the Argentinian \u201csh\u201d Sound<\/h3>\n

Argentinian or Porte\u00f1o<\/em> Spanish is most easily identified by the particular \u201csh\u201d sound used to pronounce \u201cll\u201d and \u201cy\u201d sounds, pronounced as a \u201cye\u201d sound in the rest of the Spanish-speaking world.<\/p>\n

Calle<\/em> (street), for instance\u2014ordinarily pronounced \u201ccaye\u201d\u2014becomes \u201ccashe<\/a>\u201d in Argentinian Spanish.<\/p>\n

The same goes for \u201cy\u201d sounds. Playa<\/em>\u00a0(beach) becomes \u201cplasha<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

It may take a few days to get used to this new pronunciation, but once you\u2019ve got it, you\u2019ll never want to go back.<\/p>\n

Addressing the Second Person in Argentinian Spanish<\/h3>\n

Forget everything you\u2019ve ever learned about the second person singular; t\u00fa<\/em> (you) is nonexistent in Argentina. Instead, get ready to be addressed by vos<\/em>\u00a0in a form known as the voseo<\/em><\/a>. The conjugation for this particular form differs slightly from that of t\u00fa<\/em>. The biggest difference is in the conjugation of the verb ser<\/em><\/a> (to be).<\/p>\n

As a foreigner, you\u2019ll frequently be asked, \u00bfDe d\u00f3nde sos?.<\/em> Years of formal Spanish education can\u2019t possibly prepare you for this astounding permutation of \u00bfDe d\u00f3nde eres?<\/em>\u00a0(Where are you from?).<\/p>\n

Instead of t\u00fa eres<\/em> (you are), you\u2019ll hear vos sos<\/em>\u00a0in Argentina.<\/p>\n

The following outlines how you should conjugate vos<\/em> with -ar<\/a><\/em>, -er<\/a><\/em> and -ir<\/a><\/em> verbs<\/strong>. As a general rule, always emphasize the conjugation (end of the word), as indicated by the respective accents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t
Verb<\/strong><\/th>T\u00fa<\/em> conjugation<\/strong><\/th>Vos<\/em> conjugation<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Hablar<\/strong><\/em> (to speak)<\/td>T\u00fa hablas<\/em><\/td>Vos habl\u00e1s<\/em> (placing the emphasis on the \u201c\u00e1\u201d)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Querer<\/strong><\/em> (to want)<\/td>T\u00fa quieres<\/em><\/td>Vos quer\u00e9s<\/em> (placing the emphasis on the \u201c\u00e9\u201d)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Salir<\/strong><\/em> (to leave)<\/td>T\u00fa sales<\/em><\/td>Vos sal\u00eds<\/em> (placing the emphasis on the \u201c\u00ed\u201d)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Now that you\u2019ve got basic pronunciation and conjugation down, let\u2019s explore the expansive world of Argentinian Spanish.<\/p>\n

Filler Argentinian Spanish Expressions<\/h2>\n

These are common expressions you can interject in the flow of conversation.<\/p>\n

Che <\/strong><\/em>\u2014 h<\/strong>ey<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The most common way to get someone\u2019s attention. This does not necessarily refer to Che Guevara. To go completely native, feel free to add boludo<\/em><\/a>\u00a0(dude). Be aware, though, that che boludo<\/em><\/a>\u00a0is very informal, and could be seen as rude in some contexts\u2014so only use this with your closest friends or in informal situations.<\/p>\n

Che<\/strong> boludo, \u00bfme pas\u00e1s la \u00faltima empanada?<\/em> \u2014 Hey dude, will you pass me the last empanada?<\/p>\n

Viste <\/strong><\/em>\u2014 you see<\/h3>\n

Generally used to begin a sentence or to stress a point.<\/p>\n

Viste<\/strong>, Messi es el mejor jugador del mundo. <\/em>\u2014 You see, Messi is the best player in the world<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00a1Viste<\/strong>! Gan\u00f3 Messi como lo hab\u00eda dicho. <\/em>\u2014 See! Messi won like I said he would.<\/p>\n

Ni en pedo <\/strong><\/em>\u2014 <\/strong>no way<\/h3>\n

Comes from the expression en pedo<\/em>\u00a0(drunk) and literally means \u201cnot even drunk would I do that.\u201d But just like che boludo, <\/em>this is another expression that could come across as rude if used in the wrong context, so again, save it for your close friends or informal situations.<\/p>\n

Ni en pedo<\/strong> ir\u00eda a Marte. <\/em>\u2014 There\u2019s no way I\u2019d ever go to Mars.<\/p>\n

Posta<\/em> \u2014 for real, seriously<\/h3>\n

This is used in an affirmative sense. It’s generally used as an interjection after someone\u2019s told you something strange or remarkable.<\/p>\n

Me dieron el puesto. <\/em>\u2014 They gave me the job.
\n\u00bfPosta<\/strong>? \u00a1Felicidades! <\/em>\u2014 Really? Congrats!<\/p>\n

B\u00e1rbaro \u2014 <\/strong><\/em>awesome<\/h3>\n

Este lugar es b\u00e1rbaro<\/strong>. <\/em>\u2014 This place is awesome.<\/p>\n

You can see some examples and explanations of filler expressions like che<\/em>,\u00a0posta <\/em>and viste<\/em> in this video from our YouTube channel<\/a>:<\/p>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Flirting Like an Argentine<\/h2>\n

Bold, slick and deathly good-looking, Argentine men are world-renowned for their impassioned discourse and relentless pursuit. But women of the world, watch out: He may call you the most beautiful angel to walk the earth, but he\u2019s probably calling 15 other girls the same. Here\u2019s some essential language to deal with Argentine suitors<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Chamullero <\/strong><\/em>\u2014<\/strong> player or smooth talker<\/h3>\n

Qu\u00e9 chamullero<\/strong>, siempre est\u00e1 buscando chicas. <\/em>\u2014 What a player, he\u2019s always looking for girls.<\/p>\n

Chamullar<\/i><\/b><\/a> <\/i><\/b>\u2014\u00a0<\/strong>to smooth-talk<\/h3>\n

No me chamulles<\/strong>. <\/em>\u2014 Don\u2019t give me your smooth talk.<\/p>\n

Piropo <\/strong><\/em>\u2014<\/strong> compliment\/catcall<\/h3>\n

These are generally quick one-liners men dispatch at women in the street, with or without women\u2019s knowledge or consent.<\/p>\n

Estoy cansada de escuchar piropos<\/strong> en cada <\/em>esquina.<\/i> <\/i>\u2014 I\u2019m sick of hearing catcalls at every corner.<\/p>\n

Chab\u00f3n <\/strong><\/em>\/<\/strong> Chabona <\/strong><\/em>\u2014 <\/strong>guy\/girl<\/h3>\n

El chab\u00f3n<\/strong> de all\u00e1 me dio una flor.<\/em> \u2014 The guy over there gave me a flower.<\/p>\n

Mina <\/strong><\/em>\u2014 <\/strong>young girl<\/h3>\n

La mina<\/strong> me mira raro. <\/em>\u2014 The girl is looking at me strangely.<\/p>\n

Tirar onda <\/strong><\/em>\u2014<\/strong> to flirt<\/h3>\n

Me tir\u00f3<\/strong> onda<\/strong> pero no estaba interesada. <\/em>\u2014 He flirted with me but I wasn\u2019t interested.<\/p>\n

Discussing Work and Money in Argentinian Spanish<\/h2>\n

Argentines are remarkably resilient and lively people. Here\u2019s a list of terms you\u2019ll need to discuss the job market in Argentinian Spanish:<\/p>\n

Laburo <\/strong><\/em>\u2014<\/strong> work or job<\/h3>\n

Also used as a verb, laburar<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Me gusta mi laburo<\/strong>.<\/em> \u2014 I like my job.<\/p>\n

Al pedo <\/strong><\/em>\u2014 <\/strong>lazy, useless<\/h3>\n

Not to be confused with en pedo<\/em>\u00a0(drunk).<\/p>\n

Como no ten\u00eda un laburo el verano pasado, la pas\u00e9 al pedo<\/strong>.<\/em> \u2014 Since I didn\u2019t have work last summer, I lazed around.<\/p>\n

Mango <\/strong><\/em>\u2014<\/strong> peso <\/em>(Argentinian currency)<\/h3>\n

This word can also mean “money” in general.<\/p>\n

Me cost\u00f3 dos mangos<\/strong>. <\/em>\u2014 It cost me two pesos.<\/p>\n

Perdona, no tengo mangos<\/strong>. <\/em>\u2014 I’m sorry I have no money.<\/p>\n

Colectivo <\/strong><\/em>\u2014 <\/strong>Buenos Aires bus<\/h3>\n

Note that while this word is most commonly used in Buenos Aires, it’s also widely understood across Argentina.<\/p>\n

Tom\u00e1 el colectivo<\/strong> 126 para ir al centro de la ciudad. <\/em>\u2014 Take the 126 bus to go to the city center.<\/p>\n

Cheto <\/strong><\/em>\/ <\/strong>Cheta <\/strong><\/em>\u2014<\/strong> rich or snobby<\/h3>\n

Can refer to people or places.<\/p>\n

No me gusta Recoleta, es demasiado cheto<\/strong>.<\/em> \u2014 I don\u2019t like Recoleta, it\u2019s too snooty.<\/p>\n

Argentinian Spanish Terms For Nightlife<\/h2>\n

Argentinian nightlife takes stamina and resilience. In fact, you\u2019d be advised to take a nap before going out in order to survive the long night ahead.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s correct: A typical previa<\/em>\u00a0(pre-gaming session) starts around 11 p.m. or midnight. You\u2019ll hit up a party or club around 2 or 3 a.m., and then typically won\u2019t be done until you\u2019re starved for breakfast and barely able to stand on your two feet. Here\u2019s some essential vocabulary you might need on your quest:<\/p>\n

Joda <\/strong><\/em>\u2014 party<\/h3>\n

Ma\u00f1ana es la joda<\/strong> de Enrique. <\/em>\u2014 Tomorrow\u2019s Enrique\u2019s party.<\/p>\n

En pedo <\/em>\u2014 <\/strong>drunk<\/h3>\n

Estuvo en pedo<\/strong> anoche.<\/em> \u2014 He was super drunk last night.<\/p>\n

Birra <\/em>\u2014\u00a0<\/strong>beer\u00a0<\/h3>\n

This Italian loanword (which in turn derived from German “Bier”) was most likely adopted in Argentinian Spanish thanks to the huge Italian immigration in the country.<\/p>\n

Vamos a comprar unas birras<\/strong>.<\/em> \u2014 Let\u2019s go buy a few beers.<\/p>\n

Boliche <\/strong><\/em>\u2014<\/strong> nightclub<\/h3>\n

Ponen m\u00fasica electro en este boliche<\/strong>. <\/em>\u2014 They play electronica at this nightclub.<\/p>\n

Quilombo \u2014<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0a mess<\/h3>\n

Qu\u00e9 quilombo<\/strong> llegar al centro con este tr\u00e1fico. <\/em>\u2014 Getting to the center with all of this traffic is a mess.<\/p>\n

Copado <\/strong><\/em>\/ <\/strong>Copada <\/strong><\/em>\u2014<\/strong>\u00a0cool<\/h3>\n

Es muy copado<\/strong> el chab\u00f3n.<\/em> \u2014 That guy is really cool.<\/p>\n

Why Learn Argentinian Spanish?<\/h2>\n

For one, the sheer level of difficulty will give your ear a solid workout<\/a>\u00a0and make speaking Spanish in any other Spanish-speaking country<\/a> a piece of cake. Once you\u2019ve mastered Argentinian Spanish, black-belt levels of kung fu will seem like a walk in the park.<\/p>\n

Besides, it will allow you to (ideally) spend some time in a stunning country and capital. And you’ll be in good company; you’ll be sharing your tongue with literary giants such as Borges and Cort\u00e1zar, the creators of tango and a whole population reputed for its unparalleled good looks.<\/p>\n

How to Learn Argentinian Spanish<\/h2>\n