An eraser for removing pencil marks in Argentina, Chile, and Spain. Careful: in Costa Rica 'goma' means a hangover, and in other contexts it can mean something completely different.

An admirable person, a genius or absolute legend who stands out at what they do. In Argentina, groso is the ultimate compliment, it means you're so good there's no comparison.

To get out of a place quickly in Argentina and Uruguay before things go south. Escaping because you don't want to be there a second longer or because the situation got uncomfortable.

To annoy or provoke someone online with comments specifically designed to make them angry and lose their cool. Trolling is a dark art of social media where the goal is to drive the other person crazy.

To give permission or a green light for something to happen. In Argentine slang 'habilitar' can mean granting approval, or someone signaling romantic interest, giving you the go-ahead through messages or looks.

Beer, said with that Italian flair that Argentinians adopted as their own. Grabbing some birras is the universal plan for any hangout with friends after work.

A strong insult in Argentina and Uruguay for someone who is very stupid or irresponsible. Between close friends it can sound almost affectionate, but directed at a stranger it is a genuine offense.

To have sex, the vulgar but extremely common and direct way to say it in Argentina. No euphemisms, no beating around the bush, just straight to the point.

A person who can't stop being jealous, checking their partner's phone, and making drama over every message or like. It's the modern way to describe toxic jealousy in relationships.

To have a cold or flu, NOT to be constipated. Saying 'estoy constipado' in Spanish means you have a stuffy nose and a sore throat, not digestive problems. It's one of the most entertaining false cognates in the language and a guaranteed source of confusion for English speakers learning Spanish.

To insult, verbally attack, or disrespect someone looking for confrontation in Argentina. Bardear is provoking with words, looking for a verbal fight, and creating unnecessary conflict.

A fight, a problem, a conflict between people that can escalate quickly. It's that tension in the air when two people are about to throw hands at any moment.

To mooch off others, to take advantage of everyone's generosity without ever contributing a single peso in Argentina and Uruguay. Garronear is being the social parasite of the group who always eats, drinks, and enjoys without putting in anything.

Someone who talks nonstop, excessively, and without a filter about anything and everything. They're a verbal avalanche who doesn't pause for breath, let alone let others speak.

A hard punch, a full-force hit. A well-landed piña can knock anyone down flat. "Darse piñas" means getting into a fistfight with no formalities, just swinging.

A universal Latin American greeting that works for any time of day without having to specify morning, afternoon, or evening. One word covers all your bases, efficient and friendly.

Drunk, hammered in Argentina and Uruguay. When the night got out of hand and you can't even walk straight anymore.

A caramelized milk and sugar spread that's practically a national religion in Argentina. It goes on everything, pancakes, toast, ice cream, cookies, and no Argentine can live without it.

A stroke of pure dumb luck: something that went right by accident, without any skill or planning. When something happens "de chiripa," everyone knows it and nobody expects it to happen again.

The feminine form of "boludo," this can be either an insult or a term of endearment between female friends in Argentina, depending entirely on the tone. "Ay boluda" is the universal opener for any piece of gossip between women in Buenos Aires, functioning almost like "girl" or "dude" in English when used affectionately.

A strong insult that literally means excrement. Used for someone despicable, backstabbing, or just plain awful. One of the most direct put-downs in Río de la Plata Spanish.

By pure luck or sheer coincidence, with no real merit involved. An honest, self-aware admission that something worked out because the universe cooperated, not because of skill or effort. Usually said with relief and a hint of disbelief.

To steal or swipe, usually small things. Argentine street slang that sounds a bit lighter than "robar" but means exactly the same thing. Think of someone lifting your phone on the bus or swiping your wallet in the subway. Very common in Buenos Aires everyday slang.

A scare, a fright that makes your heart jump. In Uruguay and Argentina a julepe is that intense moment of sudden fear, the kind that leaves you shaking.

To shower, to wash under the water stream. In Spain and the Southern Cone you "ducha" (shower), while in Mexico and other countries you "bañas" (bathe): same action, different verb depending on which side of the Atlantic you grew up on.

A scam or fraud, especially on the internet. Scams are everywhere, fake emails, phishing links, and too-good-to-be-true offers designed to steal your money or personal info.

Someone in their thirties, typically said with a mix of humor and mild existential crisis. In Spanish-speaking countries treintañero captures that specific life stage where you're not exactly young anymore but definitely not old, and everyone around you is getting married or going through a phase.

A person who neither studies nor works. The nini lives at their parents' house, has no plans, and their routine is Netflix, sleep, and repeat. It's a serious social issue disguised as a meme.

Something incredibly boring, tedious, or with zero entertainment value whatsoever. In Argentina, an embole is anything that makes time feel like it's stopped, meetings, lectures, or waiting in line.

Something cheap, fake, low quality, or unreliable in Argentina and Uruguay. If something's berreta, you can tell from a mile away it's poorly made, improvised, or done with zero care.