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cholo means gang member — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 4, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

cholo

noun • /[CHO-lo]/

gang member

Example:

El barrio tiene fama de cholo.

The neighborhood has a reputation for gangs.

🧠 What does cholo mean?

The term 'cholo' is primarily used in Mexican slang to refer to a member of a street gang. It often carries connotations associated with a specific subculture, including distinctive clothing styles and behaviors. While its core meaning relates to gang affiliation, the word can sometimes be used more broadly to describe individuals perceived as belonging to a certain urban subculture, though this usage is less common and can be subject to interpretation and regional variation.

📚 Extra examples

  • Las autoridades vigilan la actividad de los cholos en el barrio.
    Authorities monitor the activity of gang members in the neighborhood.
  • Se decía que el joven se había unido a los cholos.
    It was said that the young man had joined the gang.
  • La película retrataba la vida de los cholos en Los Ángeles.
    The film depicted the lives of gang members in Los Angeles.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'cholo' has a complex etymology and can have different meanings depending on the region and historical context. While its most common slang usage today refers to a gang member, particularly in Mexico, it historically referred to people of mixed Indigenous and European descent in parts of Latin America. This older meaning is sometimes still encountered, leading to potential misunderstandings.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cholo"

Synonyms: pandillero, malandro, marero

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'gang member' in Spanish?
The term 'cholo' specifically refers to a gang member in Mexican slang. Other general terms for gang member include 'pandillero' or 'miembro de una pandilla'.
How do you pronounce 'cholo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is 'CHOH-loh'. The 'ch' sound is similar to the 'ch' in 'church', and the 'o' sounds are like the 'o' in 'go'.
How do you use 'cholo' in a sentence?
'Cholo' is used as a noun. For example: 'El cholo llevaba una chaqueta de cuero.' (The gang member wore a leather jacket.) It typically refers to a male gang member, but context might imply otherwise in rare instances.
What is the English translation of 'cholo'?
The primary English translation of 'cholo' in this context is 'gang member'.
Does 'cholo' change for gender or number?
As a noun referring to a person, 'cholo' follows standard Spanish pluralization. The plural form is 'cholos'. While typically referring to males, in contexts where a group of gang members might be mixed gender, 'cholos' would still be the plural form. Gender-specific terms are less common for this slang term.
Is 'cholo' common in everyday Spanish?
'Cholo' is primarily used in Mexican slang and certain urban contexts within Mexico and areas with significant Mexican populations. It is not a universally common term in all everyday Spanish-speaking regions.
Does 'cholo' have slang or double meanings?
In its most prevalent slang usage, 'cholo' refers to a gang member. Historically and in some other Latin American contexts, 'cholo' can refer to a person of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, or even to a mestizo. However, in contemporary Mexican slang, the 'gang member' meaning is dominant and often carries a negative connotation. It is important to be aware of the context to avoid misunderstanding.
Is 'cholo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, the usage and connotations of 'cholo' differ significantly. In Spain, the term is generally not used and would not be understood in the context of gang members. In Latin America, while the 'gang member' meaning is found in countries with significant gang presence like Mexico, in other regions, 'cholo' may retain its older meaning of a person of mixed heritage, or even be used in other, unrelated slang contexts.

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