To laugh uncontrollably, unable to stop cracking up. This is a vulgar but universally understood Spanish expression used to describe an extreme fit of laughter, where you just can't contain your amusement no matter how hard you try.

An own goal in soccer, when a player accidentally scores against their own team, the worst possible moment in a match. Beyond the field, autogol is used figuratively to describe any situation where someone sabotages themselves, like sending an angry text to the wrong person or accidentally CC'ing your boss on gossip.

To figure it out, to hustle and make money or solve a problem with whatever you have on hand and pure creativity. It's the verb of Latin survival: when there are no resources, there's ingenuity.

The sacred Argentine and Uruguayan herbal infusion shared in rounds among friends. Mate isn't just a drink, it's a social ritual, a way of life, and practically a religion.

An untamed animal or a rough, wild person without any manners. In Argentina and Uruguay 'bagual' describes someone uneducated or difficult to deal with. Also a wild, unbroken horse of the pampas.

To cause total chaos or a spectacular mess that quickly spirals out of control. Used in Mexico, Argentina, and Uruguay for both starting a conflict and creating the kind of confusion that is nearly impossible to clean up. The person who arma el despelote often has a natural talent for spectacular disorder.

Bakery pastries and sweet breads in Argentina, everything that accompanies afternoon mate. Medialunas, vigilantes, cañoncitos, bolas de fraile and more: going out to buy facturas is a sacred ritual.

To flirt or show romantic interest in someone in Argentina without being too direct about it. It's the subtle art of signaling attraction, a look, a compliment, or a strategic like on social media.

To have a casual fling or no-strings-attached thing with someone in Argentina and Uruguay. Curtir is going out, having fun, and enjoying each other's company with no labels, no exclusivity, and no relationship drama.

To fail or flunk an exam in Argentina and Uruguay. When you bombed the test so badly there's no coming back, time to call your parents with the bad news.

An arm wrestling match. You plant your elbow on the table and try to force the other person's hand down until it touches the surface. In Argentina and Uruguay it is a classic informal competition at bars and family gatherings, and also used figuratively for any head-to-head showdown between two people.

In Argentina, a special talent or knack for solving problems with grace and skill, a natural dexterity that makes difficult things look easy. Having muñeca means you know exactly how to handle any situation.

A person who's extraordinarily good at something, especially in football or sports in general. It's the highest compliment to recognize pure talent and natural ability that can't be taught.

To eat in a casual, laid-back way in Argentina and Uruguay. The informal verb for chowing down without any pretension: just you, your food, and no ceremony required.

A passionate fan of Club Atlético Peñarol, Uruguay's other great football giant and eternal rival of Nacional. The bolso identity is as much a way of life as it is a football preference.

To go too far, cross the line, or be way too bold in Argentina. When someone zarpa, they did or said something beyond acceptable limits, leaving everyone with their jaws on the floor.

A Portuguese word adopted into Spanish describing a deep melancholy for something absent, a person, a place, a time that's gone. There's no perfect English translation because it captures an emotion that goes beyond simple nostalgia.

To laugh uncontrollably, in hysterics, until you can barely breathe. In the Southern Cone, when something makes you 'cagarte de la risa,' you've crossed from normal laughter into something physical, your body gives up on composure and the laugh takes over completely.

In Argentina and Uruguay, someone who is extremely pleasant, positive, and brings great energy to any situation. "Re" is the Rioplatense intensifier (like "super" or "really"), and "buena onda" means good vibes. Together they are the highest Argentine compliment for someone whose presence elevates the whole room.

A boy, guy, or young dude in Argentina, one of the most iconic words in everyday River Plate Spanish. It's used for everything: from referring to a friend to talking about some random stranger on the street.

A stupid, idiotic person who does absurd things without thinking. It's one of the most emblematic insults in Argentina, ranging from a joke to a serious offense.

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.

An extremely attractive person, a visual standout, someone so good-looking they're like a work of art you can't stop admiring. In Latin America, calling someone a cuadro is giving them the highest aesthetic compliment.

To hit the mark exactly, to say or do precisely what the situation called for. In Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, dar en el blanco is the compliment for someone who identified the right answer, solution, or observation with zero error margin.

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.

A carnival street ensemble that combines theater, live music, and sharp social commentary delivered with humor. In Uruguay it is a serious art form: groups rehearse for months to perform satirical pieces that take aim at politicians and current events. The Uruguayan carnival, centered on the murga, is the longest carnival in the world.

To jinx something, bring bad luck, or ruin something by saying the wrong thing at the wrong moment. In Argentina, if you salar something, it's your fault it went wrong, you spoke too soon and cursed it.

In Chile, an affectionate term for grandfather or father in baby talk. Especially common in southern Chile and rural areas, the warmest way a child refers to their grandpa.

In Argentina, an enormous problem or total chaotic disaster, a quilombo taken to maximum intensity. When a quilombo is grande, you need everyone on deck to deal with it.

A piece or small portion of something. In Chile and other countries, 'un cacho' is an undefined chunk, a bit of time, a bit of food, a piece of something larger. Also used in Chile as a problem or inconvenience.