It’s said that Argentinians are passionate people. The last World Cup has been proof that football matters maybe ‘un poco mucho’ (a bit too much) here. From the standpoint of a football fan, learning some basic Argentine football expressions can be beneficial to interact with their football fans guild, but from the standpoint of a language learner they will be curiously inventive.
There are words to describe how the ball is kicked, moves, how the team or players perform.
Expressions used for players
un PECHO FRÍO: a player who does not act as if he wanted to win, passionless. “Juega bien, pero es un pecho frío.”
un MUERTO: a player who makes a stupid mistake, or one who is not up to the challenge “¡Qué pedazo de muerto! ¿Cómo va a definir así?”
un MORFÓN: a player who won’t make a pass, no matter what. “¡No seas morfón, pasala!”
un CRACK: a young player who has a promising future. “Es un crack, la rompe.”
un RÚSTICO: a player who is not skillful, but delivers. “Es un defensor un poco rústico, pero no te deja pasar.”
un JUGADOR DE TODA LA CANCHA: a player who contributes in all positions. “Qué monstruo Rafanelli, es un jugador de toda la cancha.”
Ways of kicking the ball
de TAQUITO: In football, it means to hit the ball with the backheel. In real life, when someone does something effortlessly, we say ‘Lo hizo de taquito.’
de CHILENA: a bicycle kick.
de RABONA: to kick the ball with the kicking leg behind the standing leg.
de VOLEA: to volley.
de PALOMITA: a diving header.
Moves
un CAÑO: a nutmeg.
un SOMBRERO/SOMBRERITO: kicking the ball over the rival’s head.
una PARED: It occurs when the player with the ball passes and runs to a new area, where he get the ball from his team mate.
una JUGADA PREPARADA: usually in free-kicks, when there is a rehearsed move.
Random words
un GOLAZO: a beautiful goal.
una EXPULSIÓN: a red card.
una AMONESTACIÓN: a yellow card.
un LATERAL: a throw in.
un TIRO LIBRE: a free kick.
Football applied to life
ESTAR/QUEDAR EN OFFSIDE: literally to be offside, but we use it when metaphorically we are caught out of place: “Quedé en offside
SER TRIBUNERO: to be a player for the stands, the stands being people around.
SIEMPRE HACER UNA DE MÁS: to be too ambitious.
Now you are ready to engage in conversation with your Argentinian friends,
Until next time!
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