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chueco means crooked — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 24, 2025

😆 Funny Words

chueco

adjective • /[CHWEH-koh]/

crooked

Example:

Colgaste el cuadro todo chueco.

You hung the picture all crooked.

🧠 What does chueco mean?

The adjective 'chueco' translates to 'crooked,' 'bent,' or 'askew.' It is widely used to describe something that is not physically straight, such as a picture frame hanging at an angle, a bent nail, or crooked teeth. It can also describe a person who is bow-legged. In a figurative sense, especially in Latin American slang, 'chueco' can refer to something that is illegal, shady, or dishonest.

📚 Extra examples

  • El clavo entró chueco y ahora la repisa está inclinada.
    The nail went in crooked and now the shelf is slanted.
  • De niño tenía los dientes un poco chuecos, pero se enderezaron solos.
    As a child I had slightly crooked teeth, but they straightened out on their own.
  • La torre de Pisa está famosa por estar chueca.
    The Tower of Pisa is famous for being crooked.
  • Es un negocio chueco, mejor no te involucres.
    It's a shady business, it's better if you don't get involved.
  • El futbolista es conocido por sus piernas chuecas.
    The soccer player is known for his bow legs.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'chueco' is an essential everyday adjective in Latin American Spanish, learners who primarily study Peninsular Spanish might not encounter it as frequently. In Spain, 'torcido' is the preferred equivalent for 'crooked' in most contexts. This regional variation is a great example of the diversity within the Spanish-speaking world.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chueco"

Synonyms: torcido, doblado, desviado, inclinado
Opposites: derecho, recto, alineado

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'crooked' in Spanish?
A very common way to say 'crooked' in Spanish, especially in Latin America, is 'chueco'. Other widely used alternatives include 'torcido' and 'doblado'.
How do you pronounce 'chueco' in Spanish?
The word 'chueco' is pronounced CHWEH-koh. The 'ch' is like the 'ch' in 'cheese,' and the stress falls on the first syllable.
How do you use 'chueco' in a sentence?
You can use it to describe an object that isn't straight. For example: 'Por favor, endereza ese cuadro, está chueco.' (Please straighten that picture, it's crooked.)
What is the English translation of 'chueco'?
The primary English translation of 'chueco' is 'crooked.' Depending on the context, it can also mean 'bent,' 'askew,' or 'bow-legged'.
Does 'chueco' change for gender or number?
Yes, as an adjective, it must agree with the noun it modifies. The forms are 'chueco' (masculine singular), 'chueca' (feminine singular), 'chuecos' (masculine plural), and 'chuecas' (feminine plural).
Is 'chueco' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'chueco' is a very common and frequently used word in the daily vocabulary of most Latin American countries. It is less common in Spain.
Does 'chueco' have slang or double meanings?
Yes. Beyond its literal meaning of 'crooked,' 'chueco' is used in slang to describe something illegal, fraudulent, or of poor quality. For example, 'un auto chueco' could be a stolen car.
Is 'chueco' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, there is a significant difference. In Latin America, 'chueco' is the standard word for 'crooked.' In Spain, the word 'torcido' is much more common for this meaning, and 'chueco' is often used more specifically to mean 'bow-legged' ('patizambo').

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