noun

cholo

CHOH-loh

Cholo (noun) means (informal, sometimes offensive) A term, mainly used in the US, for a Mexican-American or Hispanic gang member or someone with that style. Example: “The film depicted cholo culture in 1990s East Los Angeles.”

noun

(informal, sometimes offensive) A term, mainly used in the US, for a Mexican-American or Hispanic gang member or someone with that style.

"The film depicted cholo culture in 1990s East Los Angeles."

How to use cholo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA slang term for a Chicano gang-associated identity, common in West Coast US usage.

When to use it

Can be neutral or derogatory depending on context and who is using it — treat carefully.

Word forms

cholos plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The film depicted _____ culture in 1990s East Los Angeles.

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish cholo, whose ultimate origin is uncertain.

Origin: Spanish

Rhymes for cholo

polo bolo solo lolo YOLO Paolo gigolo piccolo

See all rhymes for cholo →

Frequently asked questions

What does “cholo” mean?

The word “cholo” means (informal, sometimes offensive) A term, mainly used in the US, for a Mexican-American or Hispanic gang member or someone with that style. In plain terms, a slang term for a Chicano gang-associated identity, common in West Coast US usage.

How do you pronounce “cholo”?

“Cholo” is pronounced CHOH-loh (/ˈt͡ʃoʊloʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “cholo” in a sentence?

Here is “cholo” used in a sentence: “The film depicted cholo culture in 1990s East Los Angeles.”

What part of speech is “cholo”?

“Cholo” is a noun.

Where does the word “cholo” come from?

The word “cholo” comes from Spanish. Borrowed from Spanish cholo, whose ultimate origin is uncertain.

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Vocabulary lists that include cholo:

Words with Spanish origins