Street
carnal
What does carnal mean?
Brother. Used for an actual sibling or for a friend so close he's family. Heavier than 'homie' — this is the ride-or-die.
"That's my carnal, we grew up two houses down from each other."
Origin
From Spanish 'carnal' (of the flesh, related by blood). In Caló and Chicano English it became the word for a brother — by blood or by bond. Deeply embedded in East LA and broader Mexican-American culture.
Frequently asked questions
What does carnal mean in slang?
In Mexican and Chicano slang, carnal means a brother or an extremely close friend treated like blood family; 'carnala' is the female equivalent.
Where does carnal come from?
It comes from 'primo carnal' (blood cousin), emphasizing a blood-close bond, and became Chicano/Mexican slang for 'brother'.
Is carnal only used for actual brothers?
No, it's often used for a best friend who is as close as family, not just a biological brother.
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