LandingPad Buenos Aires

On Rejecting “El Chamuyo”

Finding him undesirable, phony, imposing or annoying, one can send this message by
a) Turning away and leaving the communal space

Or

b) “Pants” him, figuratively speaking, with one simple phrase that will leave him confused and informed:

“Que chamuyero que sos vos!”  (Kay cha-moo-sher-oh kay sos vos)

This is a snarky way of saying, “I see what you’re doing and I’m not fooled by it.”
Practice this phrase with locals to get the right accent and perfect it by using this universal “whats-a-matta-you” gesture:

Thumb meets tips of other fingers, turn wrist so thumb is on top and wag it directly up and down.

On Accepting El Chamuyo

To accept this Porteño’s chamuyo, females should laugh, play with their hair and ask his opinion on what to do, advice, etc. If the chamuyo has been successful, i.e. the female is still interested, and then our proud Porteño has made it to Base Camp 2.  Now, all that is left is to negotiate how to spend time with him (make your way up the rest of the mountain) without sleeping with him right away (conquering the summit)- which will be his plan. He might invite her to have mate (in his apartment), to a concert or show or to have a coffee. Outdoor activities are especially entertaining and make advances slightly less convenient. These “chamuyeros” (men of the chamuyo) are likely to show their romantic side now that the female has responded positively to his attempt.

Now that the way of the Porteño is clear, it is time for even better news. Foreign women coming to a strange country are a brave-breed.  Generally out-going, curious and street-smart, making the first move is second nature. Porteños love nothing more than being approached by a female because it makes them feel:
a) Very attractive
b) Manly
c) Intrigued
d) All of the above.

Any of the above answers are reason enough for him to lay it on thick with El Chamuyo. Once the Porteño is given his chance to impress, the female may decide to accept or reject as previously outlined.

Foreign males here in Argentina find beginning their assent to the mountain’s Base Camps very difficult. Females should take advantage of their extroverted hosts to make the most of their Buenos Aires experience; Learn about Porteño culture, visit non-tourist sites and discover the passion of daily Buenos Aires life with a local looking to impress.

Madi Lang
LPBA Staff