Envious S04E02: Spanish study pack

Show 6 more expressions

bichosharp kid / clever little thing (affectionate)

colloquial

Literally 'bug/creature', but used affectionately of a child or person who is cunning, perceptive, or street-smart. 'Es un bicho' or 'es un bicho raro' can also mean someone is peculiar, context is key.

Esta nena es un bicho: a los tres años ya sabe cómo manipular a los abuelos.This little girl is sharp as a tack, at three she already knows how to wrap her grandparents around her finger.

brotarto snap / to lose it / to act out of character due to stress

colloquial

Literally 'to sprout/break out'. Used colloquially to describe a sudden loss of composure or an impulsive reaction. 'Me broté' means 'I snapped / I went off'.

Me broté en la reunión y le dije todo lo que pensaba al jefe.I snapped in the meeting and told my boss exactly what I thought.

a los pedosin a huge rush / at full speed / hastily

vulgar

Very common intensifier in Argentine informal speech. Conveys that something was done extremely fast or in a frantic hurry. Slightly vulgar but heard constantly in casual conversation.

Salí a los pedos de casa y me olvidé el celular.I rushed out of the house and forgot my phone.

estar para el culoto be in terrible shape / to be a disaster (about a person, object, or situation)

vulgar

Blunt, vulgar expression indicating something is in a really bad state. Used about objects, situations, or how someone feels physically or emotionally.

Después de la mudanza, mi espalda estaba para el culo.After the move, my back was in terrible shape.

chirimbolothingamajig / gadget / random object

colloquial

Affectionate or slightly dismissive term for an object whose name you don't recall or don't consider worth naming. Warm but vague, the Argentine equivalent of 'whatsit' or 'doohickey'.

Me trajo un chirimbolo de regalo y no sé para qué sirve.He brought me some random gadget as a gift and I have no idea what it's for.

de la cacaterrible / awful / really bad vibes (literally 'of the poop')

vulgar

Used as an intensifier after a noun to mean 'really awful'. 'Una energía de la caca' means 'terrible/toxic energy'. Very informal, mildly vulgar.

Esa reunión fue de la caca, todos estaban de mal humor.That meeting was terrible, everyone was in a bad mood.

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