noun

papi chulo

PAH-pee CHOO-loh

Quiz me More like this

Papi chulo (noun) means a Spanish term of address for an attractive man, roughly 'handsome daddy'; used flirtatiously by a partner or admirer. Example: “She saved his number in her phone as papi chulo.”

noun

slang A Spanish term of address for an attractive man, roughly 'handsome daddy'; used flirtatiously by a partner or admirer.

"She saved his number in her phone as papi chulo."

"Every other comment under the photo was just 'papi chulo'."

derogatory In older and more disparaging Latin American usage, a flashy man who lives off women, a pimp or a strutting show-off.

"In the film he plays a papi chulo in a white suit and too much jewellery."

How to use papi chulo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA Spanish way of calling a man handsome and cocky.

When to use it

Informal slang, usually flirtatious; be aware it can read as objectifying or as an ethnic stereotype when used by outsiders.

Memory tip

Both words carry stress on the first syllable, and the ll-free spelling chulo is pronounced CHOO-loh, not SHOO-loh.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

papi mami chula guapo → daddy →

Common pairings

hey papi chulo my papi chulo

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like papi chulo.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “papi chulo” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She saved his number in her phone as _____.

Etymology

From Spanish papi, an affectionate diminutive of papá 'father', and chulo, which in Spanish means both 'cute, attractive' and, in older usage, 'pimp' or 'flashy'.

Origin: Spanish

Synonyms

View more →

papi hottie daddy guapo pimp dandy show-off

Related words

girl father dad dude pop da Andrew pa

Frequently asked questions

Is papi chulo a compliment?

In modern flirtatious use, yes: it means someone is good-looking and cocky in an appealing way. The older Latin American sense of a pimp or preening hustler still exists, so tone and setting decide how it lands.

What is the female equivalent?

Mami chula, formed the same way from mami and the feminine chula. It is used for an attractive woman in the same flirtatious register.

What is the difference between papi and papi chulo?

Papi on its own can mean dad, or be an affectionate name for a partner, a son or a friend, so it is far broader. Adding chulo makes it specifically about looks and swagger and gives it a clear flirtatious charge.

What is the meaning of papi chulo?

"papi chulo" (noun) means a Spanish term of address for an attractive man, roughly 'handsome daddy'; used flirtatiously by a partner or admirer.

People also searched

girl father dad dude pop da Andrew pa