[ggambetta]

I get where you're coming from. But I wonder how familiar you are with Argentina, though.

I was born and raised in Uruguay, a smaller neighboring country that shares a lot of traits with Argentina. I'd bet a lot of people from either country will not only agree with OP's characterization, but embrace it. This kind of behavior even has a name that carries positive connotations: "viveza criolla", loosely translated as "local wit". Behaving this way is considered the smart thing to do. Not behaving this way makes you an idiot.

I hated this mentality growing up. I never felt like I fit. I've now lived in Europe for the last 12 years and it feels a lot more like home.

[the_af]

Exactly, "viveza criolla". Well said.