Vocabulario

LUNFARDO-- What first strained my ears when I arrived; the Buenos Aires slang. It seems to have created a different word for every one I thought I knew-- especially when it comes to insults. It's playful, creative and often quite biting. Early 20th century immigrants are credited with its start; the majority of young Argentines now merrily carry on the tradition to the despair of confused foreigners.

TENER FIACA-- To feel lazy. Though Porteños seem to constantly be on the move-- after that mate is passed around, there is a party to attend-- I hear this complaint often. Its roots are, you guessed it, Italian.

PETITERO-- Snobby young male, often spotted prancing around the Northern part of the city, as the elegant avenues are more suited to his tastes than the more proletarian Southern areas.