Chavala Dictionary
The unofficial dictionary of Beyond the Horizon Consulting.
A growing collection of Spanglish words, family sayings, and Cynthia-isms that remind us not to take life so seriously.
Abuela / Abuelita
(ah-BWEH-lah / ah-bweh-LEE-tah)
noun
Grandma, but never just grandma. The original life coach, storyteller, healer, and keeper of family wisdom. Known for giving advice you didn't ask for but probably needed.
Alabao
(ah-lah-BAH-oh)
interjection
An expression of complete shock, disbelief, "Oh my Gawd!", or "Well... I wasn't expecting THAT."
Often accompanied by widened eyes and a dramatic pause.
A la Púchica / A la Gran Puta
(ah lah POO-chee-kah / ah lah grahn POO-tah)
interjection
Two versions of the exact same expression.
A la Púchica is what you say in front of your abuela.
A la Gran Puta is what you say after she leaves the room.
Think of it as the difference between saying "Fudge!" and "Fuck!" Same feeling. Different audience. Used to express surprise, frustration, disbelief, excitement, or when life decides to keep things interesting.
See also: Alabao, Hueputa
Cafecito
(kah-feh-SEE-toh)
noun
A cup of coffee with magical powers. Often the first step toward solving life's problems.
Chavala
(cha-VAH-la)
noun
A woman who's figuring it out one cafecito, one boundary, and one deep breath at a time. She's resilient, imperfect, funny, and refuses to give up.
Chisme
(CHEES-meh)
noun
Information you weren't looking for but somehow ended up hearing anyway.
Chones/Choneys
(CHOH-nehs / CHOH-neez)
noun
Your big girl underwear. Worn when life gets hard and excuses aren't invited.
Example:
"Ponte los chones, chavala. We have things to do."
Hueputa
(weh-POO-tah)
interjection
A highly expressive word with approximately 47 different meanings depending entirely on tone, volume, and facial expression.
Can express:
Surprise
Frustration
Excitement
Admiration
Disbelief
"Did that really just happen?"
May also be used as punctuation.
Use with caution around your abuela.
Jefa
(HEH-fah)
noun
A woman who leads with confidence, heart, and a healthy dose of "I got this."
Jodida/Jodido
(hoh-DEE-dah / hoh-DEE-doh)
adjective
Going through it. Stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, or one inconvenience away from saying, "Ya no puedo."
Temporary. Never permanent.
Mentirosa
(men-tee-ROH-sah)
noun
That dramatic little voice in your head that insists you're not good enough, everyone secretly hates you, and you should probably quit.
She's a chavala jodida... and she's lying.
Metiche (*New 8/26/26)
(meh-TEE-cheh)
noun
Someone who somehow knows everyone’s business despite never being invited into the conversation. Professional snooper, aka la tía (whether by blood or acquaintance). Usually found near the chisme.
Also see: Chisme
Peleonera
(peh-leh-oh-NEH-rah)
adjective / noun
Someone who doesn't back down easily. Usually passionate, protective, stubborn, and willing to fight for the people and things she loves.
Pendejadas
(pen-deh-HAH-dahs)
noun
The daily nonsense, chaos, drama, and unnecessary foolishness that somehow finds you... even when you were minding your own business.
Pijudo
(pee-HOO-doh)
adjective
Badass, fucking awesome, or so damn good that “great” doesn’t have enough personality for the occasion.
Playa
(PLAH-yah)
noun
A state of mind where the sun is shining, the ocean is loud, your phone is on Do Not Disturb, and tomorrow's problems can wait until mañana.
¡Qué Bárbara!
(keh BAR-bah-rah)
interjection
An expression used when someone has done something unbelievable—for better or worse.
Can mean:
"I can't believe you did that."
"You're incredible."
"You're absolutely ridiculous."
Entirely dependent on tone.
Example:
"¡Qué bárbara, chavala!"
See also: Alabao
¡Qué Bárbaridad!
(keh bar-bah-ree-DAD)
interjection
The dramatic cousin of ¡Qué Bárbara!
Used when the situation has become so ridiculous, shocking, or over-the-top that a regular reaction simply won't do.
Frequently followed by shaking your head.
See also: ¡Qué Bárbara!, Alabao
Orgullosa
(or-goo-YOH-sah)
adjective
Proud of how far you've come. Not because you're perfect, but because you kept going when quitting would've been easier.
Transición
(trahn-see-see-OHN)
noun
That uncomfortable space between who you were and who you're becoming. Also known as where all the good stories begin.
Universo
(oo-nee-BEHR-so)
noun
The mysterious coworker who keeps assigning you character-building exercises you never applied for.
Vaselina
(vah-seh-LEE-nah)
noun
A miracle cure according to every abuela.
Example:
"Todo se resuelve con vaselina."
See also: Vicks Va-poo-roo. If the vaselina doesn't work... the Vicks will.