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 Argentine gestures, of which there are hundreds. There are some gestures you will see on the streets pretty much everyday and in different cultures they convey contrasting meanings to the Porteño intention.  Below are my four favourite and their meanings, these four are also very commonly used so keep a look out!

Ojo

Using your finger, pull the skin below your eye downwards, this is used as a warning.  Often, to advise 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 sweeping 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?”.

Chicken?

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?” or “are you scared?”, 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 gestures you will find yourself being 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!