Something of little value or a person of no importance, often considered insignificant or worthless. In Chile, curadillo refers to something that's at the bottom of the quality scale.

What you say when someone sneezes, the Spanish equivalent of "bless you." A quick, automatic courtesy used all across the Spanish-speaking world. Nothing more, nothing less: just basic social reflex.

A plainclothes detective or investigative police officer in Chile, the cop without a uniform who works undercover. The 'tira' watches, follows, and operates in shadows. In working-class neighborhoods, being tagged as a tira can follow someone for years.

Text abbreviation for "no te preocupes" (do not worry about it). The quick way to tell someone everything is fine and they should relax. Common in chats and social media across Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Peru.

A perfect deal where everything goes right and you profit handsomely with minimal risk or effort. It's the kind of business transaction everyone dreams of but rarely achieves.

The essential Spanish word for "thank you," used across every Spanish-speaking country. Polite, universal, and always well received. If you are learning Spanish before a trip, this is one of the first three words to memorize alongside "por favor" and "perdón."

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."

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.

A lower-class person with rough manners and no refinement. In Chile, 'roto' is a loaded class marker, it can be a sharp insult or used with dark irony. The word has a long history tied to Chilean social stratification and can sting hard.

A term of endearment in Chile for someone you love and cherish, especially a child or a partner. It is the kind of nickname you give to the person you fuss over and protect. Warm, affectionate, and very Chilean.

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.

A connection, hookup, or inside contact who helps you get something, whether it's a job, a favor, or access to something exclusive. In Chile it's extremely common and reflects the culture of "it's not what you know, it's who you know." Having a pituto can open doors that talent alone sometimes can't.

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.

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.

Immediately, instantly, right away without waiting a single second in Chile. It's the Chilean expression of urgency for saying something gets done right now, no delays, excuses, or time to think about it.

An informal, undefined romantic connection between two people. That blurry zone somewhere between friendship and a relationship, where something is clearly going on but nobody has named it. Used in Chile, Spain, and Mexico.

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 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.

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.

The Spanish word for "please," the first phrase worth learning before visiting any Spanish-speaking country. Simple, universal, and it makes every request land better.

Booze or alcoholic drinks in Chile. 'Tomar copete' means to drink alcohol, and 'ir por un copete' is the classic invitation to go out for beers or drinks with friends. It covers any kind of alcohol, from beer to hard liquor, and is the go to Chilean word for a night of drinking.

Something false, counterfeit, or not what it claims to be at all. It can be a knock-off product, a phony person, or a fabricated story, anything that's not the real deal.