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Buenos Aires, Argentina > Buenos Aires Language Institutes > Lunfardo and Argentine Spanish Lunfardo and Argentine SpanishEven the most proficient non-native Spanish speaker, well versed in Borges and able to survive a summer in Sevilla, may experience a shock to the system when they land in Buenos Aires. After years of book learning, Buenos Aires' colloquial speech can still present a challenge. The most notable difference between Argentine Spanish and the Spanish spoken elsewhere in Latin America is the voseo, or use of vos in the second person singular in place of the usual tú, along with all the slightly different conjugations that accompany. The untrained ear will take a while to become accustomed to hearing ¿Vos querés? in place of ¿Tú quieres?. The subtle pronunciation differences as well as the voseo remind visitors of the still heavy Italian influence in the city. The true language or slang of the city is called Lunfardo. Organically evolving since the late 19th century, its evolution can be traced to the lower classes but now has practically developed into a completely unique language used in some form or another by most Porteños. Like many forms of slang, it was largely developed in the criminal world and many of the most commonly used terms contain references to drugs, money, or other criminal activities. It's roots are a mix of Italian slang, the twisted gaucho Spanish in the Argentinean pampas, and the black population which in the early 1800's was nearly one-third the population of Buenos Aires. Lunfardo's seedy roots don't stop it from being an essential part of daily communication even in the 21st century. Some Lunfardo purists argue that modern additions to colloquial language cannot be considered Lunfardo, as this language, by definition, is antiquated. Others, however, believe that anything that makes it to the streets should qualify. We leave it to you to decide. One other important aspect to Lunfardo is the al reverse factor; reversing the syllables in a word and then saying them backwards. For example, a semi-derogatory term for Gay is puto and in reverse you would say topu. Another example is the verb cagar meaning 'to shit on' or 'not give a damn'. In reverse one can say garca, which is someone who shits on you, usually with some type of financial burden or strain attached. We're still working on the reverse Lunfardo information cause it is after all its un pocito complicado! Comprehensive Lunfardo dictionaries are available at most city bookstores, book vendors, and at street markets - for the hardcore learner. In the meantime we have comprised a small list of favorites - to help the beginners get started. Che - used by everyone for everything from hi and hey to um. Also used to mean a guy. "Oye, che" means "Hey, guy". Mina - (lit. mine) a girl or chick Boludo(a) - (lit. big swollen balls) jerk, also used casually between friends like 'dude' or 'bro' Quilombo - (lit. whorehouse) a disaster, mess Bomba - (lit. bomb) a sexy woman Mango - (lit. fruit) peso
Guita - money Me mataste - (lit. "you killed me") expression meaning "I don't know" or "it's beyond me". Joda - a joke Chamuyo - bullshit Pibe(a) - street kid Boliche - disco Guacho - (lit. orphan) street kid Topu - the reverse of puto which is gay Garcaˆ- the reverse of cagar which means 'to shit' or someone that doesn't give a damn
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