chiflado
“chiflado” means “crazy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
crazy, nuts
Also: dotty, bonkers
📝 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!
nutcase, crackpot
Also: madman/madwoman
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: chiflado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'chiflado' to mean 'obsessed' or 'mad about'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Chiflado' comes from the verb 'chiflar,' which originally meant 'to whistle' or 'to hiss' (like booing someone). The meaning shifted metaphorically to 'to spoil' or 'to drive someone crazy,' as if their mind was being messed up or whistled at.
First recorded: Mid-19th century (in the sense of 'crazy')
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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.