Street words and phrases used in Uruguay, with definitions and examples written by their people.
A vulgar term used as an adjective to describe something of very poor quality, ugly, or boring. While it literally refers to the penis, it is most often used to dismiss a situation or object that is disappointing or underwhelming.
We went to that new restaurant but the food was totally chota and they charged us a fortune.
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Refers to someone who is extremely stingy or cheap with their money, avoiding spending at all costs. It describes the type of person who finds it painful to part with even a single cent, even in necessary situations.
Invite him to dinner if you want, but don't expect him to pay his share because he is super agarrado and always comes up with an excuse not to spend a dime.
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Used to describe someone who is the odd one out in a social setting, specifically a third wheel who tags along with a couple. It refers to the person who ends up feeling unnecessary or out of place in a plan they are not central to.
In the end I did not go out with them because I did not want to be a paleta while they were getting all lovey-dovey.
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Used to describe the act of annoying, pestering, or being a total nuisance to someone. It is the quintessential term for when someone won't stop busting someone's balls or is trying to drive people crazy.
Stop joder your sister, she is trying to take a nap! (The siesta is a common afternoon nap in Uruguayan culture).
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A man who is interested in a woman but is extremely indecisive or slow to act. He hangs around and beats around the bush without ever making a real move to start a formal relationship (the word literally refers to a small dog or a mutt, implying someone who follows others around aimlessly).
Stop wasting your time with that PICHICHO who texts you all day but doesn't have the guts to ask you out.
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Refers to male ejaculation or the semen itself during the sexual act. It is a very common informal expression in the River Plate region (the area encompassing Uruguay and parts of Argentina) for a man reaching climax.
Wait a bit, do not move so much, I am about to shoot my Polvo.
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A snitch or tattle-tale who rats on peers to an authority figure, like a boss or the police, to gain favor. It also describes someone who covers for or enables another person by lying to hide their actions.
Don't tell that guy anything, he is an alcahuete and he will take the gossip straight to the boss.
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An informal and extremely common slang term for a woman's breasts. It is used in casual, everyday conversation to refer to someone's chest directly.
Hey, did you see the new neighbor got her lolas done and now they look really natural?
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To zone out or space out completely, losing track of your surroundings. It describes getting lost in your own thoughts or a moment of deep distraction.
Sorry I didn't answer you, I was staring at the sunset and flasheé for a good while.
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Refers to a piece, chunk, or bit of something. It is a common term used to describe a small or informal portion of an object or food.
Hey, can you give me a cacho of that sandwich (refuerzo) because it looks awesome?
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A waiter or server in any dining establishment, ranging from a casual neighborhood cafe to a fine dining restaurant. It is the standard term in Uruguay used to address the person serving your table or to ask for the bill.
Excuse me mozo, could you bring us the menu and a sparkling water, please?
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Refers to a coarse or unrefined person, usually of rural origin, who is not very bright but is arrogant enough to think they are incredibly smart. It describes a person who tries to be a wise guy without realizing that their lack of intelligence is obvious to everyone. (In the River Plate region, this term historically suggests a lack of the manners or polish typically associated with the city).
Don't pay any attention to that Guarango, he acts like he knows it all and then he always ends up putting his foot in it.
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Used to describe something as awesome, cool, or top-notch. It is a common way to say that a situation or object is extremely pleasant. (In standard Spanish, this word means the rest, but in Uruguay it functions as an adjective for greatness.)
The gig yesterday at the bar was demás, we did not stop dancing all night.
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A popular slang term used in Uruguay for BMW cars. It is a cool, informal way to refer to these luxury vehicles.
The neighbor from around the corner is driving a black Bemba that sounds scary as hell when he starts it up.
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A nickname used in Uruguay for BMW cars, especially the 320 model. This vehicle was long considered the ultimate symbol of status and prestige among wealthy youth in Montevideo (the capital of Uruguay).
The neighbor's son is driving around in a silver bemba that is insane, you can tell he's doing well.
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To work with intense effort and speed, focusing on resolving tasks immediately. It highlights someone's diligence and their ability to get straight to business without wasting time.
If you need to finish that paperwork before Friday, call Jorge: the old man (in Uruguay, veterano is a common term for an older man) brega and he will get it sorted for you in no time.
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A mesh or transparent shopping bag used for carrying groceries. It gets this name because, being see-through, it lets all the neighbors see what you bought (the word literally means a female gossip).
Empty the chismosa and put the milk in the fridge before it gets warm.
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A vulgar and direct term for having sex. It is the most common way in everyday Uruguayan slang to describe the act. (In Uruguay, this word is strictly sexual and does not mean to take or grab as it does in other countries).
They hadn't seen each other in months, so they locked themselves in the room and cogieron all afternoon.
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A loud, rowdy party or celebration, often involving big crowds and public festivals. It is the kind of event defined by high energy, noise, and people having a wild time.
I heard that a massive jarana broke out in the main square for the New Year's Eve celebration.
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A slang term derived from the verb bichar, used to indicate that you are going to check something out, look it over, or inspect it. It is a casual way to say you will take a quick look at an object or situation to see what condition it is in (specifically used in Uruguay and Argentina).
Send me the link to the listing so I can bicho the apartment you want to rent for you.
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A term used in Uruguayan horse racing and rural culture to refer to a horse, especially one that is fast or a high-quality racer. (In Uruguay this is an admiring term for a horse, distinct from its vulgar meaning in other countries).
Look at the pingo the neighbor bought, with that physique he is definitely going to win Sunday's race (penca, an informal local horse race).
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A common slang term for a marijuana joint in everyday Uruguayan Spanish. It is the standard way to refer to a joint among friends or in casual settings. (In Uruguay, marijuana use is legal and social consumption in public is very common.)
We sat on the coastal promenade for a bit to roll a faso while the sun was setting.
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Used to describe something shallow, like a section of a river or a flat plate. It is also applied to superficial or dim-witted people who lack depth and never engage seriously with any topic.
Do not expect a deep conversation from that guy because he is a total playo, he only cares about appearances.
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Literally a piece of solid excrement, though it is most frequently used as an insult for a despicable person. It describes someone who is mean, backstabbing, or acts with malice.
I cannot believe you screwed me over like that after everything I did for you, you are a total sorete.
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A derogatory term used in Uruguay for a person living on the street or in extreme poverty. It carries a negative connotation of social abandonment and filth.
There were a couple of pichis sleeping in front of the supermarket entrance and we had to walk around them.
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A common Rioplatense slang term for a person from Uruguay. It is an example of vesre, a linguistic style where syllables are flipped, in this case by reversing the syllables of the word uruguayo. (Rioplatense refers to the region around the Rio de la Plata shared by Uruguay and parts of Argentina).
My cousin moved to Spain years ago, but he is still a total yorugua because he does not put down his thermos and mate even when he goes to the beach. (Mate is a traditional herbal infusion that is a staple of Uruguayan culture).
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A colloquial Rioplatense term for a person's hair. It is typically used in the plural to refer to a mane of hair, particularly when it is messy or in need of a trim (Rioplatense refers to the region around the Rio de la Plata, including Uruguay and parts of Argentina).
It is so windy out there, it messed up all my chapas the moment I stepped outside!
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Used as a derogatory term for a young person or child, emphasizing their immaturity and lack of experience. Physiologically, it refers to a single pubic hair.
Shut your mouth and respect your elders, you are still a pendejo and you do not know anything about life.
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A brothel or house of prostitution. It also refers to a mess or a physical fight occurring between clients and sex workers in such a place (originally referring to settlements of escaped slaves, the term evolved in the River Plate region to mean a bordello and later general chaos).
A hell of a fight broke out last night at the kilombo because some guy didn't want to pay and everyone ended up trading blows.
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Describes an extremely stingy or tight-fisted person who does everything possible to avoid spending even a cent. This is the typical individual who never chips in for a group pot or avoids paying their share when going out.
Don't be such a machete and chip in for the beer, we always end up paying for everything ourselves.
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A person who is exceptionally skilled, talented, or a natural at something. It is used to highlight that someone is very smart, a pro, or simply outstanding in their field (in the River Plate region, it is a common way to express admiration for someone's mastery).
Ask Juan to give you a hand with the computer because the guy is a capo at those things.
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A traditional rural game of chance and skill played by throwing a cow or sheep ankle bone, aiming for it to land on a specific side. The bone has four distinct faces, and the game has been a staple of country life in the Rio de la Plata region for centuries (the winning side is called the suerte).
The ranch hands got together after the barbecue to throw a few rounds of taba and see who was buying the round of wine.
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To hustle or pick up the pace to finish a task as quickly as possible. It describes cranking up the speed on something because you are short on time.
Come on, we are going to have to embalar with the reports if we want to leave early today!
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The gift of gab, meaning the ability to speak with eloquence and wit to persuade someone or achieve a goal. It is often used for people who are good at smooth-talking or who know how to charm others with their speech (frequently associated with 'chamuyo', the Rioplatense term for flirting or sweet-talking).
Nacho doesn't need to be a millionaire to win anyone over; with the labia he's got, he can talk you into anything in five minutes.
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A very common term used to describe a situation of total chaos, disorder, or a loud conflict. It refers to any kind of mess, ruckus, or complicated problem that disrupts the normalcy of a place (In the River Plate region, the term originally referred to a brothel and evolved into a synonym for a massive mess).
You have no idea the kilombo that broke out on the main avenue because a traffic light broke and nobody would yield.
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Refers to someone who is shameless and lacks scruples, acting in a brazen or treacherous way. It is a typical low-life who takes advantage of situations without caring about social or moral codes.
You can't be such an atorrante to leave your brother stuck with the whole debt while you go out partying.
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A shortened, affectionate term for a countryman or someone from the rural areas of the Uruguayan interior. It is used to identify people with traditional country customs who usually keep the regional accent (in Uruguay, the interior refers to any area outside the capital).
The paisa who lives in the shack out back promised me that he is bringing some hides for the shed tomorrow.
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A vulgar term literally referring to a woman with large genitals or high sexual activity. In everyday Uruguayan speech, it is primarily used as a strong insult for a woman who is a bad person, cynical, or despicable (the term comes from concha, a vulgar word for the vagina).
I cannot believe that conchuda lied right to my face after all the help I gave her.
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Refers to a man with no backbone who is easily manipulated by his partner or anyone else around him. He is the type of guy who has no say and ends up being a simple puppet who just follows orders.
Stop being such a pelele and tell your boss you are not working Sunday, you already had plans with us.
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A common slang term for a condom in everyday Uruguayan speech. It is used to refer to the latex contraceptive used during sexual intercourse.
Hey, before we go any further, check if you have a forro handy because I did not bring one.
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Refers to a person who tags along with a couple and ends up being an awkward third wheel, ruining the intimate mood.
I ended up being the paleta all night while those two were cuddling on the couch.
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Refers to an individual with bad intentions, someone who acts like a scoundrel or behaves in a low, sneaky way. It is that person you cannot trust because they always have some dirty trick up their sleeve.
Look what a TURRO the neighbor turned out to be, he hit my parked car and took off without even leaving a note.
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Used for someone with extraordinary luck or who gets lucky breaks by pure chance. It is a common River Plate way to describe someone who always gets lucky in any situation (based on the vulgar slang that associates having a large ass with having luck).
This guy is such a culón, he found a thousand-peso bill right when he was running out of money for the bus!
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A vulgar expression for the act of masturbation, commonly used with the verbs hacerse or clavarse. It refers to seeking sexual self-satisfaction by manipulating the genitals. (In Uruguay, the verb clavarse is frequently used to describe performing an action for oneself or consuming something quickly).
I have to get up early tomorrow, so I will have a paja and go straight to bed.
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A Rioplatense term for a man who acts excessively delicate, soft, or refined. While often used to imply someone is effeminate, it primarily highlights a lack of toughness or an unusual level of sensitivity (Rioplatense refers to the culture of Uruguay and the Argentine region near the River Plate).
Don't be a manfloro and grab the shovel, you are not going to die from getting your hands a little dirty.
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A small rural property or modest country house. It is typically a simple farmstead where people from the countryside grow family crops or use it as a basic weekend getaway (in the Rio de la Plata region, a chacra is a small-scale farm, distinct from a large ranch or estancia).
On Sunday we are going to my uncle's chacra to pick up some pumpkins and spend the afternoon outdoors.
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A state of total chaos, a huge mess, or a situation where everything is out of order. It is commonly used to describe a loud disturbance, a scandal, or a complicated problem that is difficult to resolve (Rio de la Plata refers to the geographic and cultural region encompassing Uruguay and Argentina).
There was a massive despelote downtown because of the protest and not a single bus was getting through.
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An informal and temporary job that comes up once in a while to earn some cash. It is a short-term gig that lacks stability or a formal contract.
I have not found a steady job yet, so I am doing some electrical changas to get by.
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