choni
/ˈt͡ʃoni/
The Spanish term for "ratchet girl" is choni.
choni is used to describe a woman perceived as low-class, tacky or 'ratchet'. While 'ratchet' in English can sometimes be used endearingly within certain subcultures, 'choni' in Spanish is almost exclusively used as a derogatory insult regarding someone's taste or social standing.
Which one should you use?
Chica choni is a slang term used in Spain to describe someone with a tacky or tasteless style. Chica hortera is a colloquial way to describe a girl with poor taste or flashy, gaudy style choices. Chica ordinaria refers to a girl who displays rude, vulgar or coarse behavior.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
choni is a slang term and is often used pejoratively.
Is it said differently in some regions?
choni is used specifically in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the term plural, add -s to get chonis.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃoni/
Did you know?
- The term choni is believed to have originated from the English name 'Johnny', which was adapted into Spanish slang during the 20th century.
- While choni describes the woman, the male equivalent of a 'ratchet' person in Spain is called a cani.
- While choni is common in Spain, using it in Latin American countries might cause confusion as it is not a recognized term for 'ratchet' there.
Examples in context
- No me gusta cómo se viste esa chica, es bastante choni, ¿no crees?I don't like how that girl dresses, she's pretty 'ratchet', don't you think?
- Esa chica es una choni.That girl is a ratchet girl.
- No me gusta su estilo de choni.I don't like her ratchet girl style.
- Parece una choni con ese maquillaje.She looks like a ratchet girl with that makeup.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a girl they saw at a club.
- Javier¿Viste a la chica de la mesa de al lado?Did you see the girl at the next table?
- MaríaSí, es una choni total.Yes, she is a total ratchet girl.
- JavierSu ropa es demasiado llamativa.Her clothes are too flashy.
- MaríaExacto, tiene un aire de choni.Exactly, she has a ratchet girl vibe.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry choni, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries choni, CC BY-SA 4.0.
