Since in our last article, we enlightened you about the use of Lunfardo, this week we thought we’d include a few examples of the equally confusing Spanish words and expressions used in Argentina. This list highlights a few words and phrases used a lot in Argentina! Some are unique to Argentina, others not, but you will undoubtedly hear them a lot in conversation. Often these examples are used as time-fillers or tags, but at least a knowledge of them will make your time a little easier!
1. ¡Dale!: Equivalent to ‘vale’ used in Spain to mean ‘okay’. It is one of the affirmations Argentines use: “Vanessa, tengo que comprar unas cositas, vuelvo en 5 minutos, dale?” - ”Vanessa, I have to go a buy a few things, I’ll be back in 5, okay?” “Dale!” - “Okay!”
2. Mirá vos: Argentines use this all the time in a similar way to the way in English we say ‘wow’, or ‘no way’. For example mirá vos can be used after someone tells you something impressive or surprising: “Qué haces acá en Buenos Aires?” - “What are you doing here in Buenos Aires?” “Soy voluntario” - “I’m a volunteer” “Mirá vos” - “Wow, is that right?”
3. Tipo: This word is used a lot in Argentina for a various things. ‘Tipo’ can be used to refer to a person, to refer to a nonspecific time, also to describe the style of something. Here are some examples: “Este tipo es muy aburrido” - “That guy is really boring” “Nos encontramos allá tipo 9” - “Let meet there at around 9” “El lugar es tipo boliche, pero más tranquilo” - “The place is like a club, but more relaxed”
4. ¡Qué se yo!: This phrase is often used as a time-filler similar to ‘um...’ or ‘I don’t know’ in English. “Cómo es la ciudad” - “What’s the city like?” “Es grande, linda y, qué se yo, ocupada” - “It’s big, pretty and, I don’t know, busy”
5. Ojo: This is used to mean ‘be careful’ or ‘look out’ and it is often accompanied by a finger point to the eye. ‘Ojo, este tipo es de mala onda’ - ‘Be careful, this guy is shady/ dubious’
6. Onda: Onda literally means ‘waves’ or ‘vibes’. It can be used with ‘buena’ or ‘mala’ to mean the equivalent of ‘good vibes’ (buena onda) or ‘bad vibes’ (mala onda) in English. It can also be used after ‘Qué’ to mean ‘How’s it going?’. “Che, qué onda?” - “Hey man What’s up?” “Todo bien, recién fui a un concierto. Era de muy buena onda!” - “It’s all good, I just went to a concert. It was really cool!” “Qué celosa! Tengo que ir a mi trabajo, si llego tarde mi jefe se enoja. Es muy mala onda” - “I’m jealous! I have to go to work, if I arrive late my boss gets annoyed. He’s lame”?
7. Ya está/ Ya fue: These 2 expressions are used after something has happened. It is used in the same way as ‘it’s done’, ‘that’s that’, ‘there’s nothing else you can do’ in English: “No puedo creer que perdí mi cámara anoche!” - “I can’t believe I lost my camera last night!” “Ya está” - “It’s done, forget about it” “Fue una lástima que no la viera” - “It’s a shame that I didn’t get to see her” “Ya fue, la próxima será” - “That’s that, next time”
8. Pasa que...: It means ‘the thing is’. It’s a good one to remember because it is used a lot. “Quiero ir a la fiesta, pasa que no tengo tiempo!” - “I want to go to the party, the thing is I don’t have any time!”
9. ¿Cómo andas?: This is just another way of saying ‘How are you?’, but it’s extra Argentine. It means the same as ‘Cómo va?’ used in other spanish speaking countries. “Cómo andas, boludo?” - “How’s it going, man?”
10. Viste: This word is used like ‘you know’ is used in English. It is pretty much unique to Argentina, and you will no doubt here it a lot. “Prefiero no vivir en la ciudad, viste, siempre hay demasiada gente” - “I prefer not living in the city, you know, there are always too many people”
11. Re: This is used as a prefix, before an adjective to put emphasis on it. It means ‘very’ or ‘so’ and it is used a lot in Argentina instead of ‘muy’. “Cómo fue tu viaje en Patagonia?” - “How was your trip to Patagonia?” “Re lindo, me encantó el glaciar!” - “So beautiful, I loved the glacier” Other words and phrases: Trucho - ‘fake’ Piola - ‘cool’ Dar bola - ‘to pay attention’ No me rompas las pelotas - ‘Stop annoying me’ Vamos de joda - ‘let’s party’ Hinchapelotas - ‘annoying’, ‘a pain’ So now we’ve given you the first little nudge on your way to fluency in Argentine Spanish, you can start practicing and learning more expressions and words! And maybe eventually, you might sound like this:
We’ve heard many a story of travellers coming to Argentina with a 3 month spanish language course under their belt and Spanish dictionary in hand only to be faced with baffling mix of Ches, boliches and, of course, boludos. If you are one of those flummoxed foreigners, don’t fear! It’s just Lunfardo. A dialect used in the River Plate region of Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Lunfardo was influenced by a mix of Italian, French, English, Galician, Portuguese, African and indigenous languages such as Quechua, Mapuche and Guaraní. Less confused? I’ll start from the beginning. Waves of immigrants docked in Buenos Aires in the mid 19th century bringing with them new cultures and new languages contributing to the creation of Lunfardo. Since the majority of immigrants came from Italy it is no surprise that Lunfardo has primarily Italian traits.
The word Lunfardo actually comes from Lombardo, the italian dialect spoken in the Northern region Lombardy and you may have noticed the Italian intonation to the words. Lunfardo started as a type of slang used by criminals and lower classes. It allegedly has its genesis in the jails of Buenos Aires, where the prisoners created a new language to confuse their guards. An example of the way inmates disguised their language is ‘verse’, literally the Spanish ‘revés’ (reverse) backwards. This trick consists in creating new words by reversing the original word (surprise, surprise) and so camión (truck) becomes mionca, and calor (heat) becomes lorca. Lunfardo words are often inserted into Rioplatense Spanish sentences and frequently used in the lyrics of Tango songs, and like the Tango, over time Lunfardo gradually infiltrated other social stratas and classes, and became what it is today: the unbridled dialect of Porteños. To make your time a little easier, we have compiled a list of some of the most common Lunfardo words used today, accompanied by some examples of their common uses, and, when it suffices, a short (sometimes very short) explanation of the word’s etymology. Enjoy!
1. Chamuyar Meaning: To smooth talk, convince, seduce, sweet talk, chat up, hit on Example: Este chico te está chamuyando - This guy is hitting on you Spanish synonyms: persuadir, convencer, engañar, embaucar Etymology: It comes from the gypsy slang (caló) chamullar, which means to speak in a low voice, but it was also used to refer to someone who mixed truths and falsehoods in order to get himself out of trouble.
2. Bondi Meaning: Bus Example: Mi bondi va retrasado - My bus is running late Spanish synonyms: autobús, colectivo, omnibus Etymology: The word started being used to refer to public transport in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Bondi comes from the English word Bond. Since the train lines in Sao Paulo were owned by the English, the word bond referred to the price of a journey on public transport, but eventually came to mean public transport. To make it easier to pronounce, the Brazilians added an ‘e’ to the end of the word creating ‘bonde’, and after being adopted by Italian immigrants the ‘e’ changed to ‘i’ making the word what it is today: ‘bondi’.
3. Bardear Meaning: to mock, insult Examples: ‘¿Me estás bardeando’? - Are you mocking me? ‘Lo está bardeando’ - He’s making fun of it ‘No me bardees’ - Don’t mess with me Spanish synonyms: agredir, molestar, insultar, humillar, descalificar a otro Etymology: One theory is that the word comes from ‘barro’ meaning mud. The theory goes that the word means to insult or speak badly about, equivalent to the spanish saying ‘echarle barro’ literally to throw mud at someone.
4. Bancar Meaning: To hold on, to put up with, to bear Example: No me lo banco - I can’t bear it Yo te banco - I put up with you Ya no te banco más - I can’t stand you anymore Spanish synonyms: aguantar, soportar, avalar Etymology: It is believed that bancar comes from economic support, or la bancada, meaning worksurface.
5.Boliche Meaning: Club Example: !Vamos al boliche! - Let’s go to the club Spanish synonyms: Discoteca, club Etymology: The word comes from the catalan word ‘boltix’, coming from the greek to refer to different types of games.
6. Boludo Meaning: This term has two meanings that vary according to tone, and the intensity with which they are spoken. For example boludo can be an insult, similar to idiot, or a tag used among friends. It can also mean something that is easy to do. Example: Boludo ¿a dónde vamos?’ Where are we going, buddy? ‘Esta apuesta es una boludez’ - This is a foolish bet. Spanish synonyms: Idiota, tonto, buddy Etymology: In various cultures, it is said that individuals with large testicles are unintelligent. This term may come from the Italian word, coglione: a simpleton, or someone with large testicles.
7. Che Meaning: Dude, man, hey Example: Che, dónde estás? - Dude, where are you? Spanish synonyms: oye! Etymology: Some say this Spanish word comes from the Guaraní word che, which is equivalent to the personal pronoun I, or in Spanish, yo, or the possessive pronoun my, or the Spanish mi. Some experts claim che comes from Venecia, Italy, where the word ció was used to mean you.
8. Mina Meaning: Woman, girl Spanish synonyms: Mujer Etymology: This word, which is sometimes considered derogatory, may come from the Italian word femmina or the contraction of the Galician word menina, from which came the play on words used by some pimps arose, since prostitutes’ bodies were compared to minas, or mines, from which they could profit.
9.Pibe Meaning: Kid Spanish synonyms: Niño Etymology: Pibe is an abbreviation of the word pebete, which comes from Catalán word pebet, and refers to something with a foul odor. Some say that the word eventually took on the more colloquial use as a way to refer to children with foul odors. Others claim the word comes from the word pivetto, meaning apprentice.
10. Quilombo Meaning: Disaster, mess, brothel Example: Esto es un quilombo! - This is a disaster! Spanish synonyms: un desastre, un desorden, un caos Etymology: Quilombo is the Portuguese word for whorehouse, coming from the Kimbundu word, kilombo, which may have referred to a settlement of escaped African slaves.
"I learnt to be more confident and that you can do anything you set your mind to"
Name: Natasha Morgan
Nationality: British
Occupation: Psychology Graduate
Volunteering period: 3rd March – 29th April 2012
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What made you want to apply to volunteer and in particular for the project of teaching English?
I wanted to have an experience different to anything I have done before, and to get the opportunity to really get to know a different culture. Volunteering with a local community seemed like a good way to do this, and to add something extra to my backpacking trip. I wanted to teach English because I thought if I was going to volunteer, I should use a skill which I already have. As a native English speaker, I could help others to develop their Language skills. Also, as I speak only very basic Spanish, it would be easier for me to teach English than take part in other projects which would require a better level of Spanish.
How would you describe the project and your job and tasks?
I worked in two projects, both very different to each other: Pablo Nogues – This is a small after school English Academy where children come to get extra English tuition, more than they would at day school. There were several classes of children, but each day is different as not always the same children turn up each time. At the beginning of each afternoon I would be told what group I would be teaching, and be given the appropriate textbooks. Usually it was a group of about 3 or 4 8 year-olds, but it varied...sometimes I would be teaching one on one, and once, I had a class of 12. With the help of Ximena, one of the older students who acted as a teacher’s assistant (she was amazingly helpful) we would work through the exercises with the class. Hombre Nuevo – This is a private primary school in Flores, which places a heavy focus on teaching English. Here, I was less of a teacher, and more of an English Assistant. My role was to help out the teachers in English lessons, but mainly just to chat with the kids in class and in break-time, allowing them to practise their English and to find out about my background and English culture. Most of this involved them asking me questions about my life.
What are some of the best moments around the project and what have you learnt?
The co-ordinators and the kids in both the projects were really lovely, and I enjoyed getting to know them all. Highlights included successfully completing a lesson with 12 children, something I have never done before, and my last day at Hombre Neuvo, where I gave the kids smarties and baked beans, and the kids made me cards and alfahores. Also seeing their faces when I told them we don’t have dulce de leche in England! I learnt to be more confident and that you can do anything you set your mind to. I also learnt a lot about Argentinean culture.
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations to look forward to for any volunteers that will be taking part in the same project?
I would recommend both the projects to any volunteers wanting to teach English, as long as they go in with an open mind. At Pablo Nogues, it is very much playing it by ear, but as long as you don’t try to be the perfect teacher, you’ll be OK. Just do the best you can, because having you there teaching them anything is better than having no lesson at all. At Hombre Nuevo, enjoy the opportunity to get to know the kids and to do something different with your time. It’s a private school, so the children aren’t the ‘poor’ people that you may think of when hear volunteering, but it’s still a really worthwhile project, just more in terms of cultural exchange. They will really appreciate having you around, and I know your visit makes their school day much more exciting.
By Robert Benjamin 
If you’re looking for an enriching, rewarding experience in a foreign country, teaching English is an excellent choice. It will allow you to improve your foreign language skills, build your resume, and provide an important service, all while getting to travel the world. Below are a few tips for volunteers teaching English in a foreign country: 1. Teach to your students’ specific needs Each student comes to English classes for a different reason. One of the first things any teacher should do with a new student is to figure out why the student is there. For example, if your student wants to be able to communicate with English-speaking customers at the cash register, you’ll know immediately that you can start with basic greetings and numbers in English! 2. Don’t expect too much Don’t set your expectations too high for yourself or for your students. It can take several years to become fluent in a foreign language, even when you are speaking it daily, and your students might only get to practice English a couple hours per week. So try to set reasonable goals for yourself and your students. 
3. Teach to various learning styles Students learn in a variety of ways. Some learn best by listening, other by speaking, some by reading, and others by writing. Try to have your students do a little bit of each during every lesson, to see which method works the best for each student. 4. Speak their language While some students are skilled enough to benefit from a lesson taught entirely in English, many will require explanations in their native language. Not only will this be great practice for you to speak a foreign language, it will also allow your students to correct you or teach you some new phrases, which can really boost their confidence and lighten the mood. 5. Encourage your students Many adults are embarrassed to try to speak English and are afraid to make mistakes. However, if you encourage them to try, it’s rather likely that they will quickly learn to laugh at their mistakes and move past that stage of discomfort; a student’s ability to concentrate and learn will improve dramatically as soon as he or she stops worrying about making mistakes and starts feeling more confident outside his or her comfort zone. 
We’re sure that when you think of Argentina, Tango is one of the first things that comes to mind. Indeed the dace is uniquely argentine...
By Maddie Smith For those curious about Argentine cinema but have no idea where to start, we have compiled a list of classic argentine films to get you started. So grab yourself a mate a settle down to one (or all) of these phenomenal flicks: 1. El Secreto de tus Ojos, 2009 (The secret in their eyes) 
2. Nueve Reinas, 2000 (Nine Queens) 
3. El Hijo de la Novia, 2001 (Son of the Bride) 
4. La Historia Oficial, 1895 (The Official Story) 
5. Medianeras, 2011 (Sidewalls) 
6. Elsa & Fred. (…Okay I know I said 5, but, although it’s not strictly argentine, Elsa & Fred is a charming little picture!) 
Of course this list only touches the surface of Argentine cinema. There are many more fantastic films from Argentina for you to feast your eyes on, but this list should get you started!
1. Be curious.
While volunteering, try to understand the cultural context of the centre you are working in. Ask questions, talk to the people that work there, so you can really give as much as possible during your time.
2. Be a part of the team.
The running of community centre depends on your participation as much as that of the coordinator. During your time volunteering you will see that the community centres really do work as a family and rely on the cooperation and support of everyone involved.
3. Be flexible.
Try to remember that the community centre will not always be organised. Activities could be cancelled, you may not always be able to find the material that you are looking for and you will likely be working with different people every week, so try to be adaptive and creative in your volunteering.
4. Take initiative.
There wont always be a daily plan so don’t be afraid to approach people. You are not going to be told what to do everyday!
5. Remember that your presence is valuable!
From time to time volunteers can feel unneeded in their work. Even if there isn’t anything physical to do, by merely talking and listening to people you are showing your support.
By Pisi Federica
Volunteering in a professional program is just a different way to help people. If you are thinking about your future, if you’ve just started (or finished) your college education, or are simply a little bit tired of your current job… You can join a volunteer professional program. Here are some of the benefits:
1. If you’re looking for a job, keep in mind that when potential employers conduct interviews and review resumes, they will look for signs that you are a motivated, disciplined individual who can adapt to new situations and environments. The fact that you were willing to offer your services, unpaid, demonstrates motivation, and will allow you to stand out from other applicants.
2. Volunteer work develops important skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and task management. In general, you develop valuable personal and professional skills, and this experience provides you with know-how in a particular professional area.
3. Obviously, during an experience abroad in a country like Argentina (for example!), you can learn a new language (Spanish is the second most wildly spoken language in the world) or improve your level of proficiency.
4. You will be able to analyze differences between your home country and the country in which you volunteer, allowing you to develop a more critical approach with respect to your work.
5. Sometimes people come to volunteer in programs completely distinct from their current field of work, and volunteering offers the opportunity to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment.
By Federica Pisi
Volunteering with children is an extremely fun and satisfying experience, but don’t forget that your attitude and commitment to the project are the main elements to make your time a great success!
1: Try to organize activities for the whole group, so that everyone can join in. Keep the actions very simple, children find it difficult to concentrate hard for a long time!
2: Be consistent in how you deal with the children. Kids are very perceptive, they will pick up on any perceived favoritisms.
3: Be patient and flexible! Most of the children are very shy; don't try to rush or force a relationship. Look for ways to compliment and encourage them often as you can.
4: Be mindful of cultural differences. It is very important to observe the children’s behavior before you act because their codes of conduct might be very different from the ones you're used to at home. Be aware and respectful.
5: Dress practically. Wear clothes that you don’t want keep clean since you will be asked to play football or play in the sand, etc.. For example, high heels are not appropriate.
6: Enjoy your experience with children and have fun!! Don't be afraid to show your infantile and silly side, kids of all ages love it. Bring your heart and your sense of humor to your volunteering. These, along with an enthusiastic spirit, are priceless.
Rikke Olsen, volunteer in a kindergarten: "I will never forget those hugs..."
Written by Jesica FrancoBy Federica Pisi
Name: Rikke Olsen
Nationality: Danish
Occupation: Student
Volunteering period: 8 weeks (7 weeks)
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What made you want to apply to volunteer and in particular for the kindergarten? I wanted to have a holiday where I could dedicate my time to doing something for others, and to understand how everything works in jobs in Argentina. I choose the kindergarten because I have little knowledge of Spanish and I know the children of kindergarten have support from their families, and so I wouldn’t be too heart broken when I left.
How would you describe the project and your job and tasks? The project works like a normal kindergarten. The idea is to help the parents during the day, so they can go to work while their kids are being looked after. I had to help the teachers/señoras to do their daily tasks: giving food to the children, making sure that they share the toys they are given, cleaning up after a full day of playing and learning.
What are some of the best moments around the project and what have you learnt? Some of the best moments are definitely when the kids show you affection, when they run in to your arms and give you the biggest hug – I will never forget those hugs. But also when they just look at you and smile, even though you did not say anything to them, but you know that they are happy. I have learned many things about the Argentinian culture for sure! I learned how “easy” it is to make things happen, if you just believe it and have the courage to fulfil your dreams. Travesuras has grown so fast in the two years it went from having only one room, to having 4 rooms and a beautiful yard outside with toys for the children.
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations to look forward to for any volunteers that will be taking part in the same project? What matters is not how well organized or structured the projects are. You have to realize that volunteering in the kindergarten is very different from European life. You are there to help the teachers and have fun with the kids. Your time here is in my opinion, not enough to completely transform the lives of the children, but rather you can make a difference by simply being there and helping out. So go in to the project with the least expectations and you will be amazed! Travesuras is a lovely place for children, with a lovely group people :)
VOLUNTARIO GLOBAL
Voluntario Global helps local communities by being available to discuss anything that local organizations need, and offering ideas for further change and development.
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CONTACT
Location: General Pacheco. Buenos Aires. Argentina
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