chulo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “chulo” mean?
A pimp, especially in Spanish and Latin American contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pimp, especially in Spanish and Latin American contexts; someone who exploits sex workers.
In Spanish slang, can also mean 'cool,' 'stylish,' or 'attractive,' particularly in Spain; also used as an ethnic slur in some Latin American countries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is not native to English but is used in English contexts discussing Spanish/Latin American culture. In UK English, it might be encountered in cultural/literary discussions. In US English, it is more likely encountered due to proximity to Latin America and Spanish-speaking communities, often with the negative connotation.
Connotations
In both UK and US English, when used, it typically carries the Spanish/Latin American cultural connotations. The 'pimp' meaning is most recognizable. The positive Spanish slang meaning ('cool') is less known in general English.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Higher frequency in specialized contexts (e.g., cultural studies, crime reporting) or within bilingual communities.
Grammar
How to Use “chulo” in a Sentence
He was a chulo in the red-light district.The novel's villain is a brutal chulo.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chulo” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a certain chulo style about him, according to the Spanish article.
- The film portrayed the chulo underworld of Madrid.
American English
- She described the dancer's outfit as 'chulo' after her trip to Spain.
- The report detailed the chulo operations in the border city.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in sociological, criminological, or cultural studies texts discussing prostitution or Spanish slang.
Everyday
Very rarely used in everyday English. Potentially offensive.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chulo”
- Using it to mean 'cool' in an English sentence without clarifying the Spanish context.
- Assuming it is a neutral or positive term in all contexts.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'ch' as in 'church' instead of the softer English approximation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not in standard English. This is a meaning from Spanish slang (primarily in Spain). In English, it is almost exclusively understood in its negative sense of 'pimp' when used.
Yes, it can be highly offensive. It is a charged term associated with exploitation and crime. It should be used with extreme caution, if at all, and only in specific descriptive contexts (e.g., academic discussion).
Because 'chulo' is a noun (and sometimes an adjective in Spanish borrowings). It is not used as a verb in English.
Only at a very advanced (C1/C2) level if you are studying sociology, criminology, or Latin American/Spanish culture. It is not a useful word for general communication and carries significant risk of causing offense.
A pimp, especially in Spanish and Latin American contexts.
Chulo is usually informal, slang in register.
Chulo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃuːləʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃuːloʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in English.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'chulo' rhyming with 'coolo' – but be careful, because in many places it's not cool at all, it's cruel.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS OWNERSHIP (a chulo controls/owns people).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'chulo' encountered in English-language contexts?