Terms of Endearment

Everywhere you go you will hear terms of endearment. Common ones in the US are: honey, baby, sweetie (pie), etc. As many Chileans say, they are not quite so politically correct here, and that includes terms of endearment. So what do they say and what does it mean? I'm glad you asked! Here are some terms that they say and their translation:

• Chino/a/ito/ita: 
• Of asian decent (no distinction between the different oriental countries)
• Negro/a/ito/ita:
• Of african decent
• Gordito/a:
• Chubby/fatty
• Guatón:
• Chubby/fatty
• Gringo/a:
• From the United States
• Mi hijo/a:
• My child
• Mi niño/a
• My child

There are many more for sure, but these are the most common ones used. They are not meant to offend anyone, simply to describe your appearance (or the opposite). For example: If you are fairly thin/fit, they may call you gordito/a. Almost like a joke or sarcasm. They will use the same term if you are not quite so thin/fit. Please do not take offense to these terms. Chileans mean well when they call you by one of these words. It is their way of welcoming you into their homes and their hearts.