Actions Speak Louder Than Words

If you are planning to spend more than a few days in Buenos Aires, I highly suggest you purchase what I have dubbed ‘the pocket guide to understanding Porteños’.  This is in fact a very popular book called ‘Che Boludo’ which is extremely helpful in explaining the Porteño gestures, of which there are hundreds. There are some gestures which you will see on the streets pretty much everyday, and these, in different cultures convey contrasting meanings to the Porteño intention.  Below are my four favourite and there meaning, these four are also very commonly used so keep a look out!

Ojo Using your finger, you pull the skin below your eye downwards, this is used by the Porteños as a warning.  Often used to warn people to look out for thieves on the subte (tube) or pay particular attention to something.

“No Se” This is perhaps my favourite gesture as it conveys its meaning well.  The action is the hands/hand sweeps forward from the chin.  It is used in replacement of “I don’t know”.  You can expect this as a response to a question such as “where is the nearest book store?”. 

This expression is used mostly between the younger generation as it used to provoke someone in a humorous manner.  As one might say “are you chicken?”, the Porteños use this gesture!

“Tacaño” There is always someone who has forgotten to bring their money, lost it or spent it.  Similar to the above gesture, this is often used in a jokey manner.  This is called “el codito de oro” (the golden elbow).  It would be translated in english as a stinge or cheapskate.

The Argentines are expressive people so If you get to grips with a few of these, you will find yourself able to communicate without even having to speak a word!  Above gives only a small insight into the body language vocabulary, “Che Boludo” is a fab way to learn some authentic expressions and show off to your Porteño friends!