One of the reasons is that a majority of Argentinean women smoke, and smoke often (I have never seen such chainsmokers except amongst Chinese men). For women, I bet Argentina tops the world list for feamle smokers. In most of the rest of Latin America, few women smoke. Most Argentinean men on the other hand, smoke a lot less than most latinos, and many only smoke on occaisions where they are relaxing with friends.
Smoking is often a sign of "power" and arrogance.