Im loooking for a word....

[eralc777]

My Dominican friends say a word that sounds like 'alante' to mean something like 'rich' or 'wealthy.' Does anyone know what word it is and how to spell it? I think it could be a slang word. Thanks!

[Rocky]

Alante means forward-front-in front of.
So, perhaps you got the word out of context.
The dominicans may say, "Nosvamos por alante", meaning we are moving forward, which could also mean getting wealthy.

[Mirador]

Originally Posted by Rocky

Alante means forward-front-in front of.
So, perhaps you got the word out of context.
The dominicans may say, "Nosvamos por alante", meaning we are moving forward, which could also mean getting wealthy.

Sounds like what Clear777 is referring to is the DR slang term 'allante' or 'allantar', which means to boast or presume something you are not or don't have. For example, a sankie boasting to his friends that he has a Canuck girl at the resort all wrapped around his 'thumb'. His friends will say, 'eso es un allante', or 'no seas allantoso'.

[eralc777]

My friend said it when I gave him a present. He just said 'alante alante!' It sounded like it was in a good way. I asked him what it meant and he said something about rich or an expensive gift or something, but I couldn't find the word in a dictionary so I presumed it must be slang. I hope he didnt mean it in the 'wrapped around his finger' context!!

[ricktoronto]

Originally Posted by Rocky

Alante means forward-front-in front of.
So, perhaps you got the word out of context.
The dominicans may say, "Nosvamos por alante", meaning we are moving forward, which could also mean getting wealthy.

Close: it's adelante, from adelantar.

[eralc777]

Thanks Rick, but what does it actually mean?

[Rocky]

Adelante is what you might say when you are inviting someone to come in your home.
It may also mean, go ahead.
If your standing in line at the bank, the teller may say "adelante" to let you know it's your turn.
It's to do with moving forward, maybe even welcoming in.
Do you know what I mean?

[eralc777]

Yeah I get it now. But that doesnt sound like the context he was putting it in. He said it in a joking manner as if it was a good thing. But for all I know, he could of been having a private joke in Spanish. It was said alot between three guys I know. They also have other slang they use which is used for different purposes than what the word actually means. For example, they say 'toma toma' for sex.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by eralc777

Yeah I get it now. But that doesnt sound like the context he was putting it in. He said it in a joking manner as if it was a good thing. But for all I know, he could of been having a private joke in Spanish. It was said alot between three guys I know. They also have other slang they use which is used for different purposes than what the word actually means. For example, they say 'toma toma' for sex.

Everytime I learn a new language, I discover that it comes with cultural differences, as well.
I understand your confusion, and I can't say for sure, as I was not there, but it sounded kind of welcoming and appreciative to me, the way you relate it.
I don't believe they were mocking you, or anything like that.
Just happy for the presents and your presence.
When they say "toma, toma' for sex, they are just saying, "help yourself".

[eralc777]

Thats great Rocky, thanks so much for your help! Learning a language is so difficult! Im sure everything will become much clearer in time. At least Im not confused about this word any more. Thanks again!