chamba
slang, Mexico
Spanish has many slang words for "work". People say chamba in Mexico, laburo in Argentina and Uruguay and curro in Spain.
Meaning: work or job, informal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| chamba | slang, Mexico |
| laburo | slang, Argentina |
| curro | slang, Spain |
Each word also has a verb. In Mexico people chambean, in Argentina they laburan and in Spain they currar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Chamba is also used in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia for a job. The standard words trabajo and trabajar are understood everywhere.
When do people say it?
Laburo comes from the Italian lavoro and reflects the Italian immigration to Argentina.
Did you know?
- The Argentine word laburo comes from the Italian lavoro and is one of many Italian words in Rioplatense slang.
Examples in context
- Tengo mucha chamba esta semana.I have a lot of work this week.
- Mañana tengo que ir al laburo temprano.Tomorrow I have to go to work early.
- Estoy buscando curro.I am looking for a job.
Example conversation
Two friends, Diego from Mexico City and Julián from Buenos Aires, chat on a video call.
- Diego¿Cómo va la chamba?How is work going?
- JuliánBien, el laburo está tranquilo.Good, work is calm.
- DiegoQué bueno, aquí estoy hasta el cuello.Nice, I'm swamped here.
