The words of Argentina
Real words from the people of Argentina, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.
“Let the brothers be united, for that is the first law; may they keep true union in whatever time it may be, because if they fight among themselves, those from outside will devour them.”
Los hermanos sean unidos, porque ésa es la ley primera; tengan unión verdadera en cualquier tiempo que sea, porque si entre ellos pelean los devoran los de ajuera.
Source: José Hernández, 'La Vuelta de Martín Fierro' (1879), Canto XXXII — public-domain Argentine gaucho epic
“Make friends with the judge; do not give him reason to complain — for it is always good to have a hitching post to go and scratch yourself on.”
Hacete amigo del juez, no le des de qué quejarse; y cuando quiera enojarse vos te debés encoger, pues siempre es güeno tener palenque ande ir a rascarse.
Source: José Hernández, 'La Vuelta de Martín Fierro' (1879), the advice of Viejo Vizcacha — public domain
“Nobody is more than anybody.”
Naides es más que naide.
Source: Traditional Rioplatense gaucho saying, popularized by 'Martín Fierro' (José Hernández, 1872) — public-domain oral tradition
“A man's first care is to defend his own hide.”
El primer cuidao del hombre es defender el pellejo.
Source: José Hernández, 'La Vuelta de Martín Fierro' (1879), Viejo Vizcacha's counsel — public domain
“The devil knows more from being old than from being the devil.”
Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo.
Source: Traditional Argentine (Rioplatense) proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“The shrimp that falls asleep is carried off by the current.”
Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente.
Source: Traditional Argentine (Rioplatense) proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“Whoever wants the sky-blue must pay the price for it.”
El que quiere celeste, que le cueste.
Source: Traditional Argentine (Rioplatense) proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“Tell me who you walk with and I'll tell you who you are.”
Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres.
Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb widely used in Argentina, public-domain oral tradition