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/Sounds like "AHL" (as in "art") + "KWEH" (as in "quest") + "teh" (as in "ten")/

Meaning

For nothing, in vain, a completely wasted effort. From Argentine lunfardo, al cuete is that deflated admission that all the energy you spent led absolutely nowhere. The image comes from a rocket that shoots up and never explodes.

Examples

I went to the bank for nothing, it was already closed.

I ran like crazy for nothing, the bus had already left.

Regional synonyms

Something cool, nice, awesome, or high-quality in El Salvador. It's THE Salvadoran positive adjective for anything you like, that impresses you, or that you think is top-notch.