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chivato means tattletale / snitch — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 15, 2025

😆 Funny Words

chivato

noun • /[chee-VAH-to]/

tattletale / snitch

Example:

Ese chivato me delató al profe.

That snitch ratted me out to the teacher.

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🧠 What does chivato mean?

In Spanish, "chivato" refers to someone, often a child, who tells on another person for doing something wrong. Think of the kid in class who always tells the teacher who's chewing gum. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a sense of betrayal or being a busybody. While it primarily describes a tattletale, it can sometimes be used more seriously to refer to an informant or snitch, especially in the context of crime.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡No seas chivato! Déjame copiar tu tarea.
    Don't be a snitch! Let me copy your homework.
  • El chivato le dijo al profesor que estábamos haciendo trampa en el examen.
    The tattletale told the teacher that we were cheating on the test.
  • Había un chivato en la organización criminal que pasaba información a la policía.
    There was an informant in the criminal organization who was passing information to the police.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'tattletale' in Spanish?
The most common translation for 'tattletale' in Spanish is 'chivato'.
How do you pronounce 'chivato' in Spanish?
It's pronounced chee-VAH-toh, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
How do you use 'chivato' in a sentence?
Example: 'Ese chivato le dijo a mi mamá que me comí todas las galletas.' (That tattletale told my mom I ate all the cookies.)
What is the English translation of 'chivato'?
'Chivato' translates to 'tattletale,' 'snitch,' or 'informant' in English.
Does 'chivato' change for gender or number?
Yes. For a female tattletale, you'd use 'chivata.' For plural, use 'chivatos' (masculine) and 'chivatas' (feminine).
Is 'chivato' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'chivato' is fairly common, especially when talking about children or in informal settings.
Does 'chivato' have slang or double meanings?
While primarily meaning 'tattletale,' in some contexts, it can refer to a car horn or a device that warns of something (like a speed trap). The informant/snitch meaning can be quite serious depending on the context.
Is 'chivato' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While the basic meaning remains the same, the frequency of use and specific slang meanings might vary slightly between regions. It's always a good idea to pay attention to context.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chivato"

Synonyms: soplón, acusica, delator

💡 Did You Know?

The origin of 'chivato' is uncertain, but some believe it might come from the bleating of a goat ('chivo'), perhaps suggesting the noisy complaining of a tattletale.

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