The Insider’s Guide to Uruguayan Slang: What You Need to Know

If you thought Uruguayan Spanish is just like Argentinian Spanish, think again. While people from Montevideo and Buenos Aires sound similar, there are a few crucial vocabulary differences that set them apart. Uruguayan slang phrases not only highlight the cultural richness of the region but also showcase the friendly rivalry and mutual admiration between these neighboring countries.

From the casual greetings that pepper everyday conversations to expressions of love, we’ll uncover the words and phrases that make Uruguayan Spanish truly distinctive.

1. Ta
2. Championes
3. Toque
4. A las órdenes
5. Merecen
6. Gustar Suyo
7. Pila
8. Demás
9. Ñeri
10. Gurises

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1. Ta

“Ta” is a go-to word in Uruguay, standing in for “OK,” signaling agreement, or showing you’ve got the gist. It’s also handy for bridging gaps in conversation. Contrast that with Argentina, where “Bueno” or the more casual “Bue” are the preferred choices.

2. Championes

Uruguayans call their sneakers “championes,” a term rooted in the name of the brand that first introduced these sports shoes to the country. In Argentina, they’re referred to as “zapatillas,” a word that suggests they’re a lighter type of shoe, stemming from “zapato” (shoe) with a diminutive ending.

3. Toque

A “toque” in Uruguay means a concert, springing from “tocar,” which means to play music. It’s how you talk about live music gigs in a laid-back way. Meanwhile, Argentines might call them “recitales” or, more informally, “recis”.

4. A las órdenes

Literally, “a las órdenes” translates to “at your orders,” which might sound a bit formal or even military in English. However, in the casual and friendly context of Uruguayan speech, it’s more like saying “happy to help” or “at your service.” It’s a polite way of indicating you’re there to assist or that the person can count on you for support. The English equivalent would be “let me know if you need anything” or “I’m here for you.” In Argentina, they might say “Cualquier cosa me avisan,” which translates to “let me know if there’s anything I can help you with.”

5. Merecen

Using “merecen” as a response to “thank you” adds a lovely, heartfelt touch to everyday interactions in Uruguay. Meaning “you deserve (it),” this phrase goes beyond the standard “you’re welcome.” It implies that whatever kindness or help was offered, the recipient was entirely worthy of it. It’s a beautiful way of acknowledging the value and worthiness of the person you’ve helped or given something to.

6. Gustar Suyo

In Uruguay, when it comes to expressing a crush or romantic interest, folks spin it a bit differently. Instead of the direct “gusto de vos” (“I like you”) you might hear in Argentina, Uruguayans go for “gusto tuyo,” translating to “I like yours.” It’s their unique spin on dropping the hint that someone has caught their eye.

7. Pila

“Pila” (which translates to ‘battery’) is your go-to Uruguayan slang term when you mean “a ton” of something. It’s like saying something has as much energy as a whole bunch of batteries – it’s got power, it’s got juice. So, if you’ve been walking all day, you’d say “caminé pila.” Meanwhile, over in Argentina, people might say “banda” or “bocha” to talk about the same kind of abundance.

8. Demás

In Uruguay, “demás” can throw you for a loop. While in most Spanish-speaking contexts, “estar de más” might suggest something’s excessive, this laidback Uruguayan slang word is a cool way of declaring it’s awesome or fantastic. It’s their own twist on giving props to something they really like. Argentines, on the other hand, stick with “está genial” for something that’s great. But between us, “demás” has a certain flair to it that “está genial” just doesn’t capture.

9. Ñeri

“Ñeri” is a term you want to tread carefully with. In Uruguay, it’s a not-so-nice way of describing someone as uneducated, vulgar, and generally lacking in sophistication. Think of it as their version of calling someone tacky or trashy. In Argentina, a similar vibe is captured with “turro,” a word that’s especially thrown around to talk about fans of cumbia music from the lower-income neighborhoods.

10. Gurises

Diving into “gurises” takes us back to its Guaraní roots, specifically the word “ngiri,” meaning child. In Uruguay, “gurí” for one or “gurises” for a bunch, has evolved beyond just talking about kids. It’s a warm, affectionate way to refer to a group of friends, kind of like saying “I love you, guys” or “you’re my crew.” Argentinians would use “pibes” or “guachos” in a similar affectionate context, but “gurises” has that uniquely Uruguayan touch of warmth and camaraderie.

Diving into Uruguayan slang has probably shown you how every word and quirky phrase is a peek into Uruguay’s unique vibe. And hey, that’s just one flavor in the massive world of Spanish!

Here at Listen & Learn, we’re all about getting you into the Spanish that suits you best, whether you’re looking for Uruguayan slang words to use in Montevideo or Spanish business phrases . We’ve got native teachers from every corner where Spanish is spoken, so you’re all set, no matter which Spanish-speaking spot you’re keen on.