Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| proxeneta | /pɾoɡseˈneta/ | |
| chulo | /ˈt͡ʃulo/ | masculine |
| rufián | /ruˈfjan/ | masculine |
| cafiche | /kaˈfit͡ʃe/ | masculine |
| cabrón | /kaˈbɾon/ | masculine |
| padrote | /paˈdɾote/ | masculine |
| alcahuete | /alkaˈwete/ | masculine |
| lenón | /leˈnon/ | masculine |
| cafishio | /kafisjo/ (from spelling rules) | South America, masculine |
| cafisho | /kafiso/ (from spelling rules) | South America, masculine |
All the terms listed below are used to refer to a person who acts as a prostitution solicitor. Note that the verb putear is related to the act of being a procurer of prostitutes, while the verbs tunear and enchular refer to the act of excessively customizing something.
Which one should you use?
While chulo can mean pimp, it is also a very common adjective meaning 'cute', 'cool' or 'nice' depending on the context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Proxeneta is the formal and neutral option, often used as the legal term. Chulo is a common colloquial or informal way to refer to a pimp. Cabrón is a derogatory masculine term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Padrote is used to describe a pimp in Mexico and certain Central American countries. In parts of South America, such as Argentina and Uruguay, cafiche is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The following words are masculine: chulo, rufián, cafiche, cabrón, padrote, alcahuete, lenón, cafishio and cafisho.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoɡseˈneta/
Did you know?
- The formal term proxeneta originates from the Ancient Greek word proxenētḗs, which originally referred to a state representative or a diplomatic agent.
- The term alcahuete describes a person who facilitates affairs, and while it can refer to a pimp, it often implies a 'go-between' or 'matchmaker' in a more subtle sense.
- The term cafiche is rooted in Lunfardo, a slang dialect developed in the lower classes and prisons of Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
Examples in context
- Es un rufián.He's a pimp.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a rufián.Tatoeba #9431206 by ignacio, translation #12669566 by rul
- ¿Eres su chulo?Are you her pimp?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a chulo.Tatoeba #1060197 by Mofli, translation #1060191 by Mofli
- El proxeneta controla una red de prostituciónThe pimp controls a prostitution network
- Ese tipo es un padrote, ten cuidadoThat guy is a pimp, be careful
- El policía arrestó al proxeneta ayer.The police arrested the pimp yesterday.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a news report.
- LucíaEl hombre del video es un proxeneta.The man in the video is a pimp.
- Mateo¿De verdad? Se ve muy normal.Really? He looks very normal.
- LucíaSí, pero el proxeneta controla todo el dinero.Yes, but the pimp controls all the money.
- MateoEs un crimen terrible.It is a terrible crime.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pimp” translations and entries proxeneta, chulo, rufián, cafiche, cabrón, padrote, alcahuete, lenón, 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 cafiche, chulo, proxeneta, rufián, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
