Money, cash, funds. The everyday word for money across most of South America, from Argentina to Bolivia. While Spain uses "dinero," much of Latin America just says plata, which literally means "silver."

An Argentine expression meaning someone has a loose screw, is a bit nuts, or does not reason clearly. It is more humorous than harsh: you are not calling someone dangerous, just saying they are not quite all there.

To go off without a filter: suddenly acting aggressive, intense, or wildly expressive without caring about consequences. In Latin American internet slang (borrowed from English), "popping off" describes when someone snaps, goes on a rant, or just lets loose in a very public way.

In Spain and Mexico, a completely fabricated story or ridiculous excuse that nobody believes. Cuentos chinos are the specialty of people who owe you something and can't deliver on their promises.

To absolutely crush it, to perform so well that everyone else is left speechless. Used across Mexico, Argentina, Spain, and Colombia, matar describes a performance, presentation, or showing that sets a new bar and makes the competition irrelevant.

To snitch, rat someone out, or spill a secret you were supposed to keep. Used in Argentina and Uruguay, often ironically: the person who talks the most about staying quiet is usually the first to chotear.

A rich girl or a woman who acts like she's upper class in Argentina, typically associated with designer clothes, expensive tastes, and a snobby attitude. You can spot a cheta from a mile away by how she talks, where she eats, and the places she hangs out. It's the feminine form of "cheto.".

To not be able to do more, to be at the limit, to not have the capacity for something. In Mexico and other countries, it indicates exhaustion or impossibility.

A professional driver or someone who drives a vehicle for others as a job or by habit. In many countries it's also used informally for the friend who always drives when going out to party or on road trips.

To reject someone who asks you out or expresses romantic interest. In Argentina and Uruguay, being bochado leaves no room for doubt: the answer is a clear, firm no.

An exclamation of surprise, disbelief, or frustration that comes out when something seems absurd or unbelievable. The gut reaction to something so unexpected your brain can only produce those two words.

Free, available, with nothing going on. In Argentina, estar al pedo means you have got time to spare and are ready to help or just hanging around doing nothing in particular. It can also mean doing something pointlessly.

Something cool, chill, nice, or a person who's laid back and easy going. In Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay it's used to describe both positive things and people who keep a low profile without creating drama. Telling someone to "quedarse piola" means to stay quiet and not stir things up.

A tip left for a waiter or service worker on top of the bill. In Mexico, tipping is an important social custom: 10% is the bare minimum, while 15 to 20% is what considerate people leave. Skipping the propina is a real social offense, since waitstaff depend on it.

A personal era of unapologetically putting yourself first without guilt or justification. Stepping out of the 'good guy' role and reclaiming your own interests, often a healthy reaction to years of people-pleasing.

To be completely naked, not a stitch of clothing on. A very direct Rioplatense expression for total nudity, common in Argentina and Uruguay.

A rallying chant fans use to motivate their team when they're losing or need a goal. Literally 'yes we can,' it's the mantra of the Latin American stadium, the chorus that says there's still hope and the scoreboard can still flip. Cesar Chavez also adopted it as a labor rights slogan in the US.

A sweatshirt or comfy athletic wear in Argentina, Chile, and the Southern Cone. It's what you throw on when the only plan for the day is being comfortable regardless of how you look, the garment of honesty.

A direct expression for telling someone you're romantically or physically attracted to them, equivalent to 'I like you' in English. It's the first big step in confessing interest, before going as far as 'te quiero' (I care about you) or 'te amo' (I love you). Saying it out loud takes guts.

Two cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche and coated in chocolate, the ultimate Argentine and Uruguayan snack. Alfajores are cultural treasures exported worldwide and devoured by the boxful.

A person who takes things way too seriously and exaggerates all their emotional reactions without control. The one who turns a tiny drama into a three-season telenovela complete with screaming and tears.

To turn someone on, to sexually arouse or attract them, either intentionally or just by existing. Used across Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and Spain in a casual and direct way.

A cute, youthful, deliberately cheesy version of 'hola' used in texts and social media. It softens any conversation and is perfect for breaking the ice without sounding too serious.

When your entire team dies at the same time in a video game, usually during a boss fight or a badly coordinated push. A wipe means starting over and rethinking your strategy.

A hand-rolled marijuana cigarette with paper in Spain and Argentina. It's the most classic, artisanal way of smoking cannabis, requires practice to roll it properly without wasting anything.

To support, back up, or stand by someone through a tough moment. In Argentina and Uruguay, when someone "te banca," they are fully in your corner no matter what.

Total nonsense, a huge blunder, or an idea so absurd it defies all logic and common sense. It's the natural reaction when someone proposes something completely ridiculous.

To give someone attention or acknowledge them, to show interest in what they say or do. In Argentina and Chile, 'dar cabida' means recognizing someone's existence.

A chronically bitter, grumpy person who finds fault in everything and has no social sweetness whatsoever. In Argentina and Uruguay the word comes directly from the taste: an "amargo" person is missing the basic warmth needed to get along without creating tension.

Feeling down, discouraged, or emotionally at rock bottom with no motivation for anything. That slump where your spirits are in the basement and not even the best plan can pull you back up. Common in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.