Slang in Argentina

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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