Meaning
What does Chingona mean?
A Chingona is a popular Mexican Spanish slang expression, used for a woman who is clever, fearless and strong.
She’s the cool chick who will arrive on a motorcycle, all leather jacket and sunglasses style, and she is not afraid to speak her mind.
And she will be heard!
The official English translation of the term is “badass”, but it is often used as “cool”, “amazing”, “fantastic” etc.
It is used in informal speech, and some may even consider it vulgar. Therefore, it is not something you call your grandma or respected teacher unless you know them well enough to know it’s okay first!
For most women, however, it is considered a compliment.
Origin
What's the origin of Chingona?
“Chingona”, and the male version “chingón” both stem from the spanish vulgar slang term “chingar”, related to another popular slang expression, “chingadera”.
The term “chingar” has multiple meanings, with the primary translation being “to bother” or “to screw with”, other uses include “bad” or “awful” or “to fight”.
Hence, “chingón” and “chingona” is a “fighter”, a person not to be messed with.
Spread & Usage
How did Chingona spread?
The investor chain Chingona Ventures is lead by women and chose its name by the definition “fearless” and “intelligent”.
Another business that viewed the term positive enough to use it as business name is La Chingona cannabis company in Los Angeles, California.
Besides being a popular business name, it is an admiring, half-vulgar term you call a badass woman, especially prevalent in the Southern regions of the United States, where there’s a higher number of Hispanic inhabitants.
“Chingona” is well liked due to the emancipatory meaning, associated with a strong, independent woman and is more and more popular, appearing on various clothing products.
It was first defined on Urban Dictionary on March 11th, 2009.
External resources
- Urban Dictionary – Chingona
- Latina.com – Do You Find “Chingona” Offensive?