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chilpayate means little kid — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 19, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

chilpayate

noun • /[cheel-pa-YA-teh]/

little kid

Example:

Ese chilpayate corre por toda la casa.

That little kid runs around the whole house.

🧠 What does chilpayate mean?

Chilpayate is a Mexican slang term used to refer to a young child, typically a toddler or a very young boy. It carries a playful and sometimes slightly informal connotation, often used with affection. While it primarily denotes a 'little kid,' its usage is specific to Mexican Spanish.

📚 Extra examples

  • El chilpayate no dejaba de llorar porque quería jugar.
    The little kid wouldn't stop crying because he wanted to play.
  • Mi sobrino es un chilpayate muy inquieto.
    My nephew is a very restless little kid.
  • Los chilpayates estaban corriendo por todo el jardín.
    The little kids were running all over the garden.

💡 Did You Know?

The origin of 'chilpayate' is uncertain, but it is believed to have indigenous roots, possibly from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. This highlights the rich influence of native languages on Mexican Spanish.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chilpayate"

Synonyms: niño, niña, chico, chiquillo, crío, chamaco
Opposites: adulto, anciano, adolescente

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'little kid' in Spanish?
While 'niño' or 'niña' are standard terms for 'boy' or 'girl,' and 'pequeño' means 'small,' the Mexican slang term for 'little kid' is 'chilpayate.'
How do you pronounce 'chilpayate' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is: cheel-pah-YAH-teh. The 'ch' is like in 'church,' 'y' is like in 'yes,' and the stress is on the third syllable, 'ya.'
How do you use 'chilpayate' in a sentence?
A sentence might be: 'Ese chilpayate tiene mucha energía.' (That little kid has a lot of energy.) It is typically used to describe a very young child.
What is the English translation of 'chilpayate'?
The most common English translation is 'little kid.'
Does 'chilpayate' change for gender or number?
No, 'chilpayate' is generally used as a masculine noun. To refer to multiple children, the plural form 'chilpayates' is used. It does not typically change to denote a female child specifically, though context can sometimes imply it.
Is 'chilpayate' common in everyday Spanish?
'Chilpayate' is common in everyday spoken Spanish within Mexico. It is a widely recognized slang term in that region. It is not typically used in formal contexts or in other Spanish-speaking countries.
Does 'chilpayate' have slang or double meanings?
The primary meaning of 'chilpayate' is 'little kid.' While it is a slang term, it does not generally carry negative connotations or hidden double meanings. It is used affectionately or descriptively for young children.
Is 'chilpayate' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, 'chilpayate' is a term specific to Mexican Spanish. It is not commonly used or understood in Spain or many other parts of Latin America, where different words like 'niño/niña,' 'chico/chica,' or other regional slang terms are preferred.

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