chihuahua: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal. The primary meaning is standard; extended/metaphorical uses are informal.
Quick answer
What does “chihuahua” mean?
A very small breed of dog originating from Mexico, characterized by its compact size, large pointed ears, and alert expression.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very small breed of dog originating from Mexico, characterized by its compact size, large pointed ears, and alert expression.
Informally, a person who is small, nervous, or aggressive, particularly in a yappy, dog-like manner. Can also refer to something originating from or associated with the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The word is a loanword and proper noun used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical. The metaphorical use for a person is understood but equally informal in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly more common in US English due to geographical proximity to Mexico, but well-established in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “chihuahua” in a Sentence
own a chihuahuahave a chihuahuabreed chihuahuasbe like a chihuahuaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chihuahua” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She has a very chihuahua-like temperament.
- The bag was chihuahua-sized.
American English
- He's got that chihuahua energy.
- It was a chihuahua-level portion of food.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pet industry contexts (e.g., 'chihuahua breeding business').
Academic
Rare, possibly in anthropology or zoology papers discussing dog breed origins.
Everyday
Common when discussing pets, dog breeds, or metaphorically describing people.
Technical
Used in veterinary science, dog breeding, and kennel club classifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chihuahua”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chihuahua”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chihuahua”
- Misspelling: 'chiwawa', 'chihauhau'.
- Mispronouncing with /ʃ/ (sh) instead of /tʃ/ (ch).
- Using lowercase 'c' (incorrect: it's a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as it is a proper noun referring to a breed named after a Mexican state. Lowercase is considered an error.
No, it is exclusively a noun. Adjectival uses (e.g., 'chihuahua-like') are informal derivatives.
'Teacup' is not an official breed classification but a marketing term for exceptionally small, often unhealthily bred, chihuahuas.
It draws on stereotypes of the breed being high-strung and yappy, projecting these traits onto a person in a diminutive and critical way.
A very small breed of dog originating from Mexico, characterized by its compact size, large pointed ears, and alert expression.
Chihuahua is usually neutral to informal. the primary meaning is standard; extended/metaphorical uses are informal. in register.
Chihuahua: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɪˈwɑːwə/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɪˈwɑːwə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms. Metaphorical use is ad-hoc: 'He's a nervous little chihuahua.']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Chew a wow-wa' – a tiny dog that might chew your shoe and make you say 'wow' at its small size.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALL AGGRESSIVE PERSON IS A CHIHUAHUA (e.g., 'He may be small, but he barks like a chihuahua in meetings.').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common connotation when 'chihuahua' is used metaphorically for a person?