chiflado
/chee-FLAH-doh (The 'ch' sounds like the 'ch' in 'cheese')/
crazy
When describing someone who is eccentric or slightly mad, you can use 'chiflado'.
chiflado(adjective)
crazy
?eccentric or slightly mad
,nuts
?silly or very enthusiastic about something
dotty
?slightly strange
,bonkers
?very silly
📝 In Action
Mi tío está un poco chiflado, siempre habla con las plantas.
B1My uncle is a little crazy (eccentric); he always talks to the plants.
Ella está chiflada por el chocolate; come una barra al día.
B2She is crazy about chocolate; she eats a bar a day.
¿Estás chiflado? ¡No puedes saltar desde ahí!
B1Are you nuts? You can't jump from there!
💡 Grammar Points
Changing Endings
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'chiflado' changes its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'chiflado' (masculine singular), 'chiflada' (feminine singular), 'chiflados' (masculine plural), and 'chifladas' (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Ser and Estar
Mistake: "Soy chiflado."
Correction: Estoy chiflado. We usually use 'estar' (to be temporarily or in a state) with 'chiflado' because it describes a current state of mind or behavior, even if it's a common personality trait.
⭐ Usage Tips
Informal Tone
This word is often lighthearted and affectionate, meaning 'silly' or 'eccentric,' rather than deeply 'insane' (for which you might use 'demente'). Use it with friends.
As a noun, 'chiflado' translates to 'nutcase,' meaning a silly or eccentric person.
chiflado(noun)
nutcase
?a silly or eccentric person
,crackpot
?a person with strange ideas
madman/madwoman
?less serious than in English
📝 In Action
Ese chiflado está gritando en la calle otra vez.
B2That nutcase is shouting in the street again.
Mi hermana es una chiflada, siempre se ríe de todo.
B2My sister is a silly one; she always laughs at everything.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective to Noun
It’s very common in Spanish to use an adjective (like 'chiflado') as a noun simply by adding an article (el, la, un, una). It works like saying 'the crazy one' or 'a silly one' in English.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: chiflado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'chiflado' to mean 'obsessed' or 'mad about'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'chiflado' offensive?
Generally no, 'chiflado' is quite mild and often used affectionately or lightheartedly, similar to saying 'silly' or 'a bit nuts.' However, context matters, and if used angrily, it can certainly be insulting.
How is 'chiflado' different from 'loco'?
'Loco' (crazy) is very general and can range from playful to seriously mentally ill. 'Chiflado' tends to be softer and more specific, usually describing someone who is eccentric, silly, or obsessed with something, rather than truly insane.