To gather or meet with friends in an informal setting, often referring to a casual social gathering. In Argentina, this is the most common and beloved social plan.

A covered space for parking your car at home. The garage that also doubles as a storage room, workshop, and rehearsal space for the rock band that never took off.

Glasses or spectacles for correcting vision or blocking the sun. The standard word for eyeglasses across much of Latin America, from Mexico to Chile and Venezuela.

The trunk of a car, used to store luggage and bags. In Spain and the Southern Cone it is called maletero; in Mexico, cajuela. Either way, it is the place where something has been forgotten since several months ago.

Embarrassed, uncomfortable, or in a cringe-worthy situation in Peru. 'Paltearse' comes from 'palta' (avocado) and describes that moment where you just want the ground to swallow you.

Your appearance, style, or complete outfit. The anglicism all of Latin America adopted to describe how you look from head to toe, including clothes, hairstyle, and overall attitude.

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.

No conflict, no complications, nothing to create unnecessary tension. It is the mindset you reach for when you are exhausted of everything turning into a whole thing for no reason.

An herbal or floral hot drink taken as an alternative to coffee. Every country has its own relationship with it: in Argentina it competes with mate in the afternoons, while in Mexico chamomile tea is the go-to home remedy for practically everything.

The super-superlative of "re" in Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay. When "re" alone is not enough to express how extreme something is, you level up to "recontra." The verbal equivalent of adding three exclamation points.

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.

A goalkeeper, the player who stands between the posts and defends the net. In Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay "arquero" is the standard word for what Spain and most of the world calls a "portero." Cat-like reflexes, lion-sized courage.

A controversial goal where nobody knows for sure if the ball fully crossed the line. Ghost goals spark endless debates, replays, and arguments that can last decades among fans.

In Spanish, a person who falls behind, who doesn't keep up with the pace, progress, or rhythm of the group. The one who consistently trails behind everyone else.

To publicly call someone out on social media and withdraw support from them over something they said or did. The internet version of social justice, though it can easily spiral out of control. Used across Latin America and Spain by anyone plugged into online culture.

In many Latin American countries, a job or employment, whether formal or informal, which is a constant concern for young adults.

An informal way to address a friend or acquaintance in Argentina, Chile, and Peru. It's used constantly between friends no matter the situation, from casual chats to heated arguments.

To publish someone's personal information online without their consent: real name, address, phone number. It's one of the most dangerous forms of digital aggression.

An expression telling someone they spend way too much time glued to the internet, social media, or video games and need to go outside and experience real life. Touch some grass, breathe fresh air, remember the world exists.

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.

To accomplish something quickly, often with ease and efficiency.

A despicable person, a lowlife, or someone with a terrible reputation. Calling someone a lacra means they're the scum of society, a criminal, a deadbeat, or just an absolutely awful human being.

To strengthen a character or item in a video game through a developer update. The opposite of nerfing, when something becomes more powerful and everyone wants to use it in matches.

A showgirl, nightclub dancer, or vedette. In Peru and Argentina it is used, often in a derogatory way, to describe a woman who dresses provocatively or tries too hard to get attention. The word originally referred to performers in cabaret style variety shows.

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.

In Peru, "de repente" means "maybe" or "perhaps," not "suddenly" like in the rest of the Spanish-speaking world. It is a classic false friend that trips up every foreigner in Lima when a Peruvian casually says "de repente voy" and means they might show up, not that they are about to appear.

The player who defends the goal using their hands and body to stop the ball from going in. The last hero between a goal and defeat, they can be either the villain or the legend in a single match.

A person who moves extremely slowly or takes forever to do anything. Across Latin America, calling someone a tortuga means they operate at their own unhurried pace and no amount of rushing will speed them up.

To visualize and attract something positive through thought and intention. Wellness culture popularized by TikTok and Gen Z across the Spanish-speaking world.