chimichanga: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “chimichanga” mean?
A deep-fried burrito, typically filled with shredded meat, cheese, beans, and other ingredients.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A deep-fried burrito, typically filled with shredded meat, cheese, beans, and other ingredients.
A popular Mexican-American dish that is a cornerstone of Tex-Mex cuisine; can metaphorically refer to something messy, complex, or unexpectedly satisfying.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The dish is virtually unknown in mainstream British culture and cuisine. In the US, it is a recognized menu item in Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurants, particularly in the Southwest.
Connotations
UK: Exotic, foreign, possibly unfamiliar. US: Familiar comfort food, indulgent, associated with Southwestern or Tex-Mex dining.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in UK English. Low-to-medium frequency in US English, concentrated in culinary contexts and regions with Mexican/Tex-Mex food culture.
Grammar
How to Use “chimichanga” in a Sentence
to order a chimichangato smother the chimichanga in sauceto be served with a side of [rice/salsa/sour cream]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chimichanga” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The term is not used as a verb in British English.
American English
- The term is not used as a verb in standard American English.
adverb
British English
- The term is not used as an adverb.
American English
- The term is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The term is not used as an adjective in British English.
American English
- He's in a real chimichanga situation now. (informal, metaphorical)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in the context of restaurant menus, food supply, or culinary tourism.
Academic
Extremely rare. Could appear in cultural, anthropological, or culinary studies focused on food history or diaspora.
Everyday
Used in contexts of discussing food, dining out, or cooking, primarily in North America.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chimichanga”
- Misspelling: 'chimichanga', 'chimmichanga'. Mispronunciation: /ˈtʃɪmɪtʃæŋɡə/ (stressing first syllable). Incorrect part of speech (it is not a verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The etymology is uncertain and folkloric. It is generally agreed to be an American Spanish term, possibly originating in Arizona or Sonora, Mexico, in the mid-20th century. One popular story claims it was coined from the Spanish word 'chimichanga', a nonsense term akin to 'thingamajig'.
No. A chimichanga is specifically a burrito that has been deep-fried or pan-fried until crisp. A standard burrito is served soft.
The standard American pronunciation is /ˌtʃɪmiˈtʃæŋɡə/ (chi-mi-CHAN-ga). The British pronunciation typically follows similar stress patterns.
It is a low-frequency word overall. Its use is almost entirely confined to culinary contexts and is far more common in American English, especially in regions with Mexican/Tex-Mex food cultures, than in British English.
A deep-fried burrito, typically filled with shredded meat, cheese, beans, and other ingredients.
Chimichanga is usually informal, culinary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[informal/humorous] It's a real chimichanga of a problem.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHEW-me-CHANGE-ah' – it's a CHEWY burrito that CHANGES when you deep-fry it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMPLEX TASK IS A CHIMICHANGA (e.g., 'Sorting out this tax paperwork is a real chimichanga.').
Practice
Quiz
What is a chimichanga?