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The 21 Funniest Uruguayan Expressions (and How to Use Them)

Uruguay
by Lola Méndez Jun 20, 2017

1. Uruguayans don’t say, “Son of a bitch!” They say, “Son of the great seven!” (¡Hijo de la gran siete!).

2. Uruguayan won’t say that “Something went wrong.” They’ll say, “If I buy a circus, I let the midget grow.” (Si me compro un circo, me crece el enano).

3. Uruguayans don’t say, “I’m so happy!” They say, “I am dancing with one foot!” (¡Bailar en una pata!).

4. Uruguayans won’t say, “You are stupid.” They’ll tell you that, “You have big balls that make you slow.” (Pelotudo).

5. Uruguayans don’t tell you to, “Stop pretending to be someone you are not.” They tell you, “Do not ask the tree for pears.” (No podés pedirle peras al olmo).

6. Uruguayans won’t say, “Screw you!” They’ll say, “Garlic and water: to screw and hold.” (Ajo y agua: a joderse y aguantarse).

7. Uruguayans don’t say, “She’s a chatty Cathy”. They say, “She even talks with her elbows.” (Habla hasta por los codos).

8. Uruguayans won’t call you an “Asshole,” but they will direct you to, “Go wash your butt and then drink the water.” (Lávate tu culo y tómate el agua después).

9. Uruguayans don’t say, “I’ve had a long day at work. They say they’ve been, “working like a horse.” (Metiendo como caballo).

10. Uruguayans won’t say, “Keep it simple.” They’ll say, “Short and to the foot.” (Cortita y al pie).

11. Uruguayans don’t say “I’m tired.” They say “I am on the floor of the boxing ring.” (Estoy en la lona).

12. Uruguayans won’t tell you to, “Go tell that story to someone else.” They will tell you “Go sing to Gardel,” a famous local singer. (Andá a cantarle a Gardel)

13. Uruguayans don’t say, “More people are coming.” They say, “We were a few, and then my grandmother gave birth.” (Éramos pocos y parió mi abuela).

14. Uruguayans don’t say, “It is what it is.” They say, “To the bread, bread and to the wine, wine.” (Al pan, pan y al vino, vino).

15. Uruguayans won’t say, “You are a liar.” They’ll say you’re “Throwing away fruit.” (Tirar fruta).

16. Uruguayans don’t say, “Are you kidding me?” They say, “Are you resting on me?” (¿Me estás descansando?).

17. Uruguayans won’t say, “Don’t rush.” They’ll say, “Slowly by the stones.” (Despacito y por las sombras).

18. Uruguayans won’t say, “I told you so.” They’ll say, “Cry in the small room.” (A llorar al cuartito).

19. Uruguayans don’t say, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” They say, “From the same stick, the same splinter.” (De tal palo tal astilla).

20. Uruguayans won’t say, “Move, I cannot see!” They’ll say, “Are you the glass maker’s son?” (¿Córrete sos hijo del vidriero?).

21. Uruguayans don’t say, “Are you sure?” They say, “Reliable was taken to jail.” (A seguro se lo llevaron preso).

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