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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.