Assorted personal favorites from smallmarble.org that we’ve collected so far.
Friends with benefits
Es un touch-and-go.
While in English, a “touch and go situation” typically means things are uncertain, it’s used a bit more literally in Argentina.
You’re Overreacting
Ya po weon te fuiste en volaa.
Most of the Chileans I know actually talk like this. I can’t wait to get some of these recorded.
What a hottie!
Qué churro!
Helps to know what a churro is. I’ve also heard someone described as “churrisimo!”
Call an ambulance!
快叫救護車!
My Taiwanese friend added some Chinese to the site, and I had him explain this one to me. It translates literally as “hurry – call – save – protect – car!” A save-protect-car is, naturally, an ambulance.
I hadn’t really considered this before, but another nice use is to learn English slang from other countries:
I’m Drunk
I’m langers!
I’m legless!
I’m in the rats!
I’m twisted!
They say some Alaskan tribes have 20 words for “snow.” Just sayin’…
