LandingPad Buenos Aires

They are bound to happen eventually. At one point or another, everyone makes a humiliating mistake while speaking Spanish. But whether you’re aware that you have committed such an error is another question entirely.

The following are some of my favorites that I have heard about, committed myself or overheard in my days here in Argentina. Hopefully all you readers out there can learn from these mistakes and avoid committing these errors yourselves!

If you have overheard or been guilty of this yourself share with us in the comments section or to be included in the next addition: contact@landingpadba.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Here we go:

Intended word: borracha (drunk)
Intended statement: ¿Estás borracha? (Are you drunk?)
What was said: “¿Estás bombachas?”
Translation: Are you panties?
Conclusion: I’m so pantied! Shouldn’t have had that last shot.

Intended word: cancha (playing field, pitch)
Intended statement: Fueron a la cancha de golf (They went to the golf course)
What was said: “Fueron a la concha de golf”
Translation: They went to the golf pussy.
Conclusion: Golf pussies, exclusive and elegant locations, are located throughout the Buenos Aires area. Some are renowned for their prestigious and posh…

Intended word: mostachol (penne pasta)
Intended statement: Me gustaría la mostachol con bolenesa
What was said: Me gustaría la pene pasta con bolenesa
Translation: I would like the penis pasta with bolognese sauce.
Conclusion: I’ve seen it in novelty stores, it does exist. It’s not like he was just making it up, but in Argentina penne pasta is called mostachol.

Intended statement: Geez, what a line! (Looking at a long line to the office kitchen)
What was said: Aye! Qué cola!
Translation: Wow, what an ass!
Conclusion: Cola = line, cola = ass, cola = fizzy drink

Intended word: pollo (Chicken)
Intended statement: I’d like the chicken please. (One of two options on a flight, Spanish stewardess)
What was said: Me gustaría la polla por favor.
Translation: I’d like the dick, please.
Conclusion: Granted this is more hilarious for the Spanish, many Argentines are also aware of this European slang term.

Intended statement: I’m free that day
What was said: Estoy gratis ese día
Translation: I’m free of charge that day
Conclusion: Libre = free of obligations. Gratis = hooker special

If you’re interested in learning more slang phrases and swears from Argentina be sure to refer to Paul Perry’s “Swears Translated” articles or the lat “Embarrassing Moments Learning Spanish.”

Rex Racer
LPBA Staff