About Us
So at this point I kind of speak Spanish. Gone are the days I fear having to go to the grocery store. Instead, the really hard part has become trying to use porteño slang or sayings interspersed in my overly formal and yet completely broken Spanish.
It seems like a good place to start would be the word “che”, as there are few more common words in Argentina. When Americans hear the word “che”, we usually first think of Che Guevara. Turns out that Che’s first name is actually Ernesto…he gained the nickname “che” while in Cuba because, like all Argentines, he used the word constantly.
I thought I knew his name...
So, what exactly does “che” mean? It can be used to refer to a friend like “dude” or “bro”. At the same time, it can be used to get someone’s attention like “hey!” or “yo”. It can even be used as a filler or as an affirmation at the end of a sentence.
Even though I had heard about “che” before coming to Argentina, it is only recently that I have come to here it everywhere. Since it is such a quick, common sound, I have only recently begin to distinguish it from the other words in a sentence. Its only taken me a month and a half, but I’m finally hearing the che’s!
Now here comes the hard part, trying to use “che” myself. In theory, it’s a totally simple task. Its one syllable that can be used almost anywhere and make sense. I might even sound a little like I know what I’m doing, in theory, if I make a true effort to use it. But, like my inability to pull off “wicked” without sounding like an idiot, I hesitate to use “che” in my speech.
"The Bruins are wicked awesome!" would be the caption of this photo if it didn't make me hate myself.
Alas, it is only in my dreams that I can curse as eloquently as this lady.
But we can all dream, che?
School, major and year: A&S ‘14, Political Science
HometownWestfield, NJ
What makes the Gavel so BANGin’? Awesome people, great content.
You have 24 hours to give prospective students a tour of BC and convince them to enroll. How do you spend the day? Hockey game, tour of campus, meal at Hillside, read The Gavel
If you could go back in time and give yourself a pep talk the night before you moved into BC as a freshman, what is the most important piece of advice that you would give to your former self?No worries, it all works out.
What is your favorite study spot on campus? Out of sheer laziness, my room.
What is your go-to meal at Late Night? Haven’t had a meal plan in a tragically long time.
What is the #1 most played song on your iTunes? "Lonely Boy" by The Black Keys
What is the best Halloween costume that you have ever worn? Sarah Palin, Halloween 2008
If you could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Chili’s, although I’d probably die of high blood pressure within a matter of days.
If you could befriend the main characters from any TV show or movie, who would you choose and why? Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy from "30 Rock," because, duh.
