Languages rarely remain within borders. Throughout history, migration and shared experiences have allowed words and expressions to travel between countries, adapting along the way. Paraguay is no exception: its everyday speech reflects influences from its neighbours. Particularly Argentina and Brazil, while giving many borrowed terms a distinctly local meaning. These expressions have been reshaped by Paraguayan humour, customs, and social interactions, becoming part of the Paraguayan Speech.
5 casual words you might have heard
Cheto/Cheta
Origin: Argentine creation that migrated into Paraguayan slang.
Translation: Posh, fancy, or snobby.
Meaning: Refers to someone perceived as wealthy, fashionable, or from an affluent social background. Can also refer to a place, like a fancy restaurant.
Usage: The term can be neutral, humorous, or pejorative depending on context. For example, ese restaurante es re cheto (this restaurant is very fancy).
Argel
Origin: Rural Spain and Arabic.
Translation: Difficult, unpleasant, grumpy.
Meaning: Used to describe a person who is bad-tempered or a situation that is particularly troublesome. In Spain it originally denoted a horse with only one white foot, typically the right, which folklore characterised as stubborn and unlucky.
Usage: A strict teacher or difficult task might be described as argel.
Facha
Origin: Derives from the Italian word faccia, which means face. Italian immigrants brought the term to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Translation: Style or good looks.
Meaning: Over time, it evolved from just meaning face and now refers to someone’s appearance, particularly when they are well dressed or attractive.
Usage: Someone wearing a fashionable outfit may be described as having mucha facha. Or, it can be used in a negative intonation. For example, ese lugar me da mala facha (that place gives me a bad vibe).
Churro/Churra
Origin: Derived from the Spanish pastry, in several South American countries, including Paraguay, the term developed into slang used to describe someone as attractive or good-looking.
Translation: Attractive man / attractive woman.
Meaning: Used to describe someone considered physically attractive.
Usage: For example, ¡Qué churro estás! Translates to You are so handsome/You look great.
Legalmente
Origin: Adaptation of the Spanish word legal (“legitimate” or “genuine”). Possible influence from Guaraní expressions used to emphasise truth or sincerity. While legalmente traditionally means “legally” (according to the law), in Paraguay it evolved into an everyday discourse marker used to express honesty or certainty.
Translation: Honestly, seriously, really, actually, or for real.
Meaning: Refers to a way of emphasising that something is true, sincere, or being said without exaggeration. It is often used when sharing an opinion, confirming something, or adding emotional weight to a statement.
Usage: The term is common in informal Paraguayan speech and can be neutral or emphatic depending on context. For example, “Legalmente, estuvo buenísimo” means “Honestly, it was really good”. While “Legalmente no sé qué hacer” translates as “I honestly do not know what to do.” It is similar to expressions such as de verdad, en serio, or realmente in other Spanish-speaking countries.
Colloquialisms emblematic of Paraguayan Speech
Mastering a few of these expressions will not make anyone fluent in jopará, but it will turn confusing exchanges into a moment of connection. Next time a Paraguayan calls someone ‘cheto‘ or ‘facha,’ you will know exactly what is being said and why it could not be said any other way.
For visitors and newcomers, understanding these words can make everyday interactions easier. There are even more expressions common during summer heat.
