chicle
everyday, Mexico
Gum is chicle in Mexico. The longer name is goma de mascar, which you mostly see in writing.
Meaning: chewing gum (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| chicle | everyday, Mexico |
| goma de mascar | formal |
In everyday speech people say un chicle for a piece and mascar chicle or masticar chicle for chewing it.
What does it mean word for word?
The word chicle comes from Nahuatl tzictli, the name of the sap that was chewed long before modern gum.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Many Latin American countries use chicle, but some say goma or chicha. In Mexico chicle is the normal word.
Did you know?
- English got the word "chicle" from Mexican Spanish and it is the root of the brand name Chiclets.
Examples in context
- ¿Me das un chicle?Can you give me a piece of gum?
- No pegues el chicle debajo de la mesa.Do not stick gum under the table.
- Compré chicles de menta.I bought mint gum.
Example conversation
Karla asks her classmate Beto for gum before class in Mexico City.
- KarlaBeto, ¿tienes chicle?Beto, do you have gum?
- BetoSí, de menta.Yes, mint.
- KarlaGracias, me salvas.Thanks, you save me.
