tipo
casual
Argentines say tipo or the slang chabón for "dude" when talking about a guy. Loco is used to call a friend, as in "hey dude".
Meaning: casual word for a guy (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| tipo | casual |
| chabón | slang, Argentina |
| loco | casual, Argentina |
Ese tipo es muy simpático means that guy is very nice. Chabón is lunfardo, the Buenos Aires slang, and sounds very local.
Which one should you use?
Tipo is safe in most casual talk. Chabón and loco fit friends or relaxed settings.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Boludo is also used among friends but can be an insult with strangers, so it is best left to people who know it well.
Did you know?
- Lunfardo is the slang that grew in Buenos Aires in the late nineteenth century and shaped tango lyrics.
Examples in context
- ¿Quién es ese tipo?Who is that guy?
- Loco, no puedo creerlo.Dude, I can't believe it.
Example conversation
Matías and his friend Julián watch a street musician in a plaza in Buenos Aires.
- MatíasMirá ese tipo, toca increíble.Look at that guy, he plays incredibly.
- JuliánSí, loco, es un genio.Yes, dude, he is a genius.
- MatíasDejémosle unas monedas.Let's leave him some coins.
