mami
/ˈmami/
The Spanish word for shorty is mami.
The term is used to refer to a person who is short in stature.
Meaning: a short person (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, the informal terms chaparrito and chaparrita are used to describe someone who is short.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmami/
Did you know?
- While mami literally means 'mommy', in Caribbean Spanish it is often used as a flirtatious term of endearment for a woman regardless of her height or familial relation.
- The suffix -ito in chaparrito is a diminutive that doesn't just mean 'small' but is used to soften the word and make it sound more loving.
- Depending on the region, using mami to address a stranger can be perceived as overly flirtatious or even disrespectful, rather than just a casual nickname.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, chiqui! ¿Vienes a la fiesta de hoy?Hi, shorty! Are you coming to the party tonight?
- ¡Eh, enana! ¿Qué tal se ve el concierto desde ahí abajo?Hey, shorty! How does the concert look from down there?
- ¡Eres el más chaparrito del grupo, pero tienes el corazón más grande!You're the shortest in the group, but you have the biggest heart!
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are walking together in a park.
- ElenaCaminas muy lento, mami.You walk very slowly, shorty.
- DanielEs que mis pasos son cortos.It is because my steps are short.
- ElenaLo sé, por eso te digo mami.I know, that is why I call you shorty.
- DanielYa deja de burlarte, Elena.Stop making fun of me, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mami, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
