"¡Que kilombo!"

Question

Does anyone know what "¡Que kilombo!" means? I've heard that it's an Argentinian expression. Is there any reason why I shouldn't use it? Does anyone know the etymology? ¡Gracias!

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Argentinian, and quilombo is not a racist word at all. Quilombo it could translate as mess also in Spanish as lío, so 'que quilombo' it coulb use it as what a mess! Although some people think it's a bad word, you just use it when you are chatting with friends

I'm also from Argentina. You get my vote on this one. - 00e657d4, May 10, 2011

Thank you so much for the info. I'm glad to hear it from two native Argentinians. I probably won't use quilombo anyway as I wouldn't want to offend anyone. I probably will say ¡Que lío! or ¡Vaya tela! instead. ¡Muchas gracias! - Helind, May 10, 2011

You're welcome, you should use que lío 'cause I've never heard the expression vaya tela! I don't know if it is use in Spain, but not in Argentina - Caro-Sophie, May 16, 2011

Answer 2

Right, that's a despective word but maybe they don't see it that way.

Answer 3

discussion

Thanks so much for the link! I don't think I'll be using the word quilombo. It sounds like it has racist overtones. - Helind, May 10, 2011