chucho
/ˈt͡ʃut͡ʃo/masculine
The English phrase 'mutt' is translated into Spanish as chucho. Wiktionary also lists malix and quiltro.
Meaning: mongrel dog (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chucho | /ˈt͡ʃut͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| malix | /maliɡs/ (from spelling rules) | |
| quiltro | /ˈkiltɾo/ | Chile, masculine |
The term refers to a mongrel dog (noun).
Which one should you use?
While chucho is colloquial, perro mestizo is the more formal and neutral way to say mixed-breed dog.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Chucho is a colloquial and affectionate term for a mixed-breed dog. For more formal contexts, you can use perro mestizo or perro de raza mixta.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, the term quiltro is used to describe mixed-breed dogs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃutʃo/
Did you know?
- The word chucho can also mean 'cold' or 'a chill' in certain Central American countries, which has nothing to do with dogs at all.
- In some regions, calling a person a chucho can transition from a nickname for a dog to a derogatory slang term for someone who is stingy or cheap.
- The Chilean term quiltro actually originates from the Mapudungun word kiltro, meaning a 'small and furry dog'.
Examples in context
- ¡Largo, chucho!Scram, mutt!This sentence is useful for hearing how to use chucho when telling a dog to scram.Tatoeba #4986911 by cueyayotl, translation #799233 by FeuDRenais2
- Acabo de adoptar un perro mestizo muy lindo.I just adopted an adorable mutt.
- Ese chucho es muy juguetón y cariñoso.That mutt is very playful and affectionate.
- El chucho de mi vecino es muy juguetón.My neighbor's mutt is very playful.
- Vi un chucho corriendo por la calle.I saw a mutt running through the street.
Example conversation
Javier and María are walking in a park.
- Javier¿Viste a ese chucho blanco?Did you see that white mutt?
- MaríaSí, es un chucho muy bonito.Yes, he is a very pretty mutt.
- JavierParece que tiene mucha hambre.He looks like he is very hungry.
- MaríaVamos a darle algo de comida.Let's give him some food.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mutt” translations and entries chucho, quiltro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quiltro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
