¡Che Boludo! A gringo's guide to understanding the Argentines

by James Bracken

When your Argentine friend shows up late to meet you and tells you "Che chabon, ¡no sabes! ¡Se cago la chata en la loma del orto y nos quedamos en bolas!", do you wish you had paid more attention in Spanish class? No worries, it wouldn't have helped you anyway.
This book will. Argentines speak a different type of Caste-shh-ano that can leave even the most fluent of gringos struggling to keep up.
"¡Che Boludo!" will not only provide a few laughs, but really help you understand just what all of these chamuyeros are talking about.

Genres: Nonfiction, Linguistics

61 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Flor Méndez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Algunas podrían tener más explicación, otras podrían tener una explicación mejor y un par de palabras no van ni a palos (bacán? Qué argentino dice bacán? Y hostia como una exclamación?), pero por fuera de eso, muy bueno. Me hizo cagar de risa con varios (cuando leí cachucha me desmayé). Habría que actualizarlo, eso sí.

[Verónica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will forever love this book. It is interesting and fun to read the explanations to our idioms and colloquial expressions. I looooove the pictures. But I think there should be a new edition with the other slangs that appeared in this past few years.
So, if you want to learn about Argentina's culture, you should read this!
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Amor eterno a este libro. Es muy interesante y divertido leer las explicaciones de nuestras jergas. Amo las ilustraciones. Si sienti que debería actualizarse un poco.

[Jordy Alava · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came for the Argentinian slang but stayed for the English translations. lol It was an interesting book that also tapped into some cultural aspects besides the language.
Adventure Guy Magazine described it as ''the most colorful language since Swahili!'' HAHAHA I laughed so hard at the gift shop I had to buy it.

[Yaotl Altan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sirve para aprender expresiones coloquiales del habla argentina, algunas de las cuales son muy divertidas. Lo recomiendo mucho si van de visita a la Argentina, pero no todas las frases sirven para recetarlas a cualquier que vaya pasando por la calle :)

[Lady An ☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un diccionario muy loco pero útil sobre el argentinismo y el lunfardo. Para reirse un buen rato

[Florencia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro que si o si tienen que leer aquellos que quieren comunicarse con nosotros! Jajaj

[Ramya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slang and common sayings make a culture more alive and often define it's personality. This is a great book for all types of common slang words and sayings as used by Argentines and interpreted by them even if used by other Spanish-speaking countries. I was flabbergasted at how many different ways the obscene out of a common saying can be construed and was happy to have my eyes opened to the subtleties of telling someone off if need be, politely or no so politely so you are understood. I look forward to having more enriched understanding of conversations around me while in Argentina in the future.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

very useful and funny, funny, funny!

[Constanza Hex · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny!

[Costanza Kuke · Rating 5 out of 5]

completely funny and useful! as an Argentinian, I couldn't help laughting and recognizing myself in a lot of expression!

[Florencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡El mejor diccionario para los que no entienden nuestro lenguaje! Viene hasta ilustrado y todo jajajajaja. James te re pasaste, groso.

[Agustín Strasberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy entretenido, las explicaciones bastante acertadas y da unas etimologías muy interesa tes!!

[Erin]

Hmmm, maybe I'll be able to learn some more slang to impress my husband.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

100% recomendado boludo.