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What Does 'Choto' Mean in Mexico?

Published in Spanish Word Meanings 2 mins read

The term "choto" in Spanish primarily refers to a kid, meaning a newborn goat. While this literal meaning is consistent across Spanish-speaking regions, including Mexico, its colloquial or figurative usage can vary by country.

Understanding the Meanings of 'Choto'

The word "choto" holds different connotations depending on the geographical context.

Literal Meaning

  • Newborn Goat: The most direct and universally understood meaning of "choto" is a young goat or a kid. This biological definition is standard and applies in Mexico as well. When referring to livestock, "choto" denotes a very young animal of the goat species.

Regional Variations and Figurative Use

While the literal meaning of "choto" as a newborn goat is recognized in Mexico, other specific colloquial or slang usages for the word in the Mexican dialect are not widely documented or provided in the available information. However, it's important to note its figurative use in other Spanish-speaking countries:

  • In Spain: In Spain, "choto" can take on a more colloquial and figurative meaning. It is often used to describe someone who is crazy or mad. A common expression is "ser/estar como un choto," which translates to "to be like a choto," implying someone is acting irrationally or is out of their mind.

Summary of Meanings

To clarify the different uses of "choto":

Term Primary Meaning (Literal) Common Usage in Spain (Figurative) Application in Mexico
Choto Newborn Goat Crazy, foolish (e.g., estar como un choto) Primarily Newborn Goat

In conclusion, when encountered in Mexico, "choto" is most likely to refer to its literal meaning of a newborn goat, as specific widespread colloquial uses for the term in Mexican Spanish are not prominent.