In South American soccer, the winger: the player who runs the flanks and creates chances from the sides of the field. A great puntero has the speed and skill to beat defenders and deliver crosses that change a game.

To be stingy, give very little, or skimp on something in Chile and Bolivia. A pichicatero is that person who gives you the absolute minimum and makes you feel like you're asking for too much.

To kiss passionately in Bolivia, the youthful verb for when two people are making out. It's what teenagers do at parties when they think nobody's watching.

A sweet cake that's the centerpiece of every celebration in Argentina and other Latin American countries. What Mexico calls 'pastel,' Argentina calls 'torta', same delicious thing, different name.

A liar or someone who never follows through on their promises. A "chuto" will tell you anything you want to hear but never actually does what they said. Used in Bolivia and Peru.

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."

A fermented corn drink of ancient Andean origin that existed long before colonization. Each country makes it differently, in some it's alcoholic, in others it's sweet, but it always has indigenous roots.

The Andean tuber in all its varieties, a cultural symbol of the entire Andean region. In Peru and Bolivia the potato is the world's most versatile ingredient: over 3,000 varieties, each with a completely different taste.

Bolivia's national spirit, a brandy distilled from Muscat grapes and the country's most beloved drink. In Bolivia, singani accompanies all celebrations, served straight or mixed with soda.

Tail or butt, usually an animal's tail, but in Bolivia it's used humorously for a person's backside too. Light and playful, rarely offensive.

A woman with spiritual powers who connects with the spirit world to heal, guide, or protect. She's a respected figure in indigenous cultures throughout Latin America.

Flat broke, completely out of cash until payday. Used in Peru, Chile, and Bolivia, "misio" is the casual, unapologetic way to say you have hit the financial wall. Not a crisis, just the universal end-of-month condition that everyone gets.

A round, red Bolivian chili pepper, the spiciest in the country's cuisine, enough to make even the bravest sweat. In Bolivia, locoto is the star of llajua and any dish that needs real fire.

A multicolored rainbow flag representing the indigenous Andean peoples. In Bolivia, the wiphala is an official state symbol and a marker of indigenous identity that no law can erase.

An inseparable friend you're always with, your loyal adventure partner who never lets you down. In Bolivia and Peru, your yunta is that ride-or-die friendship that lasts a lifetime unconditionally.

Toasted, crunchy corn kernels eaten as a salty snack in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. From the Quechua word for toasted corn, cancha is the ancestral companion to ceviche and one of the most satisfying things you can munch on between meals.

The Bolivian way of saying "it's done," "ready," or "agreed", a quick, efficient confirmation that something's completed, understood, or settled between parties. Short, direct, no fluff.

To drink alcohol, to go out boozing with friends. In Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, chupar is the most direct and everyday way to say you are going out to drink. It implies a social gathering, good company, staying out late, and probably no regrets.

A Bolivian insult meaning dumb, silly, naive, or someone who doesn't get things on the first try. It comes from Quechua "upa" (mute, foolish) adapted to everyday Spanish. It's used both affectionately among friends ("don't be an opa, just come already") and in more intense arguments ("you're such an opa, you couldn't even manage that"). It's the Bolivian equivalent of Mexican "güey" or Argentinian "boludo."

Good judgment, skill, or the right touch when handling a delicate situation. Someone with tino reads the room, chooses the right moment, and acts with exactly the right amount of care and precision.

Cash or money in general, the most universal way Latinos refer to money. It's the word that unites Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and half the continent when talking about what everyone needs.

Drunk, visibly intoxicated, with clumsy speech and unsteady steps. Used in Bolivia, Argentina, and Uruguay. "Chumado" is not the most extreme level of drunk, but it's clearly past the tipping point: anyone around you can see you've had too much.

An indigenous or mestizo woman who proudly wears traditional Andean dress: the pollera skirt, bowler hat, and long braids. In Bolivia the term was reclaimed as a positive symbol of cultural identity and dignity. Cholitas are recognized worldwide for their elegance and presence.

A sweater or any warm knit garment in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. While most of the Spanish-speaking world says "suéter," Andean countries go with chompa, a word that sounds as cozy as the item itself, especially useful in the cool mountain highlands.

A word from Aymara and Quechua meaning a young boy, a kid, or a youth. Used in the Bolivian highlands in family conversations, local radio, and everyday speech. "Ese llokalla" can refer to a child, a teenager, or a young man depending on context. It carries the warmth and familiarity of a living indigenous word woven naturally into Bolivian Spanish.

Herb and spice sauce originally from Argentina, now used across South America to dress grilled meats. Chimichurri, parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil, is the flavor that says 'asado' is ready. An Argentine without chimichurri at a barbecue is practically a national emergency.

A bribe or illegal payment made to officials or authorities to get things done or make problems disappear. Corruption's favorite currency, sadly common in many Latin American countries.

A baby or newborn, the most tender and ancestral way to refer to a little one in the Andes. It comes from Quechua and is used with pure love in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile.

A Peruvian, Mexican, and Latin American verb for drinking beer, going out for chelas with friends. Comes from "chela" (beer) turned into a verb with full conjugation. "Vamos a chelear" means let's go drink beers, "estamos cheleando" means we're in a round. A youthful word, universal in the region, heard in any weekend conversation among friends.

The very Latin American skill of making your biweekly paycheck stretch all the way to the next one. It means budgeting carefully, prioritizing every expense, and hoping nothing unexpected comes up. The most practiced sport of the average salaried worker.