Hiding everyday phrases in similar sounding words is a perfect demonstration of how much fun we can get from our native language.
Don’t believe me? Read the words below and tell me if you’d have guessed!
I know these phrases to be fairly common in casual conversation in Argentina. I’m not sure they could be heard in other Spanish speaking countries, too.
Porfis = Por favor | Please
Holis = Hola | Hello
Todo viento = Todo bien | All good
¿Y Johnny/Yolanda? = ¿Y yo? | And me?
¿Y Esteban? = ¿Y este? | And this one?
¿Y Boston/Bosnia? = ¿Y vos? | And you?
¿Qué acelga? = ¿Qué hacés/hacen? | What’s up?
¿Qué talco? = ¿Qué tal? | What’s up?
Graciela = Gracias | Thank you
Un mateico = un mate
¿Segurola? = ¿estás seguro? | Are you sure?
Gratarola = Gratis | Free
No pasa naranja = No pasa nada | No problem
Zafaroni = Zafar | To get away with it
Ojota = Ojo | Be careful/Look at that
Hojaldre = Ojo | Be careful/Look at that
Careli = Caro | Pricey
Caripela = Cara | Face
Messi = Me sirve | Works for me
And so? What do you think? Have you spotted a favourite one?
Let me know in the comments,
Happy Spanish learning,
You might also want to read these articles:
- Argentinian SayingsIn this list you’ll find many of the most frequent sayings in every day Argentinian Spanish.
- Ni la más p*ta ideaWhat do you say (informally) when you don’t have the faintest idea?
- Negative thoughtsCoping with negative thoughts is part of learning a language. A really decisive one, I’d say.
- Everyday Expressions with “¡Qué…!”Learn some cool expressions with Argentinian seasoning!
- Venture Out has its song!AI takes many shapes. The latest is Venture Out’s jingle.
- Binomial Pairs IIThis is part II of binomial pairs. Today it’s all about repetition. Today is all about repetition.