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Ser más chulo que un ocho

/sehr mahs CHOO-loh keh oon OH-choh/

To be very cocky, arrogant, or stylish in a showy way. It can be used with admiration for someone's confidence or with criticism for their arrogance.

Level:B2Register:InformalCommon:★★★★☆

💡 Understanding the Idiom

Literal Translation:
"To be cooler/more cocky than an eight"
What It Really Means:
To be very cocky, arrogant, or stylish in a showy way. It can be used with admiration for someone's confidence or with criticism for their arrogance.
English Equivalents:
To be cockyTo be a show-offTo be full of oneselfTo be sharp as a tack

🎨 Literal vs. Figurative

💭 Literal
A literal, humorous depiction of 'ser más chulo que un ocho', showing a person looking very proud next to a giant, stylish number eight.

Literally, this means 'to be cooler/more cocky than an eight'.

✨ Figurative
The actual meaning of 'ser más chulo que un ocho', showing a person walking with a confident, almost arrogant strut.

In practice, it describes someone who is very cocky, stylish, or a show-off.

Key Words in This Idiom:

ser
ser
to be
→
chuloocho

📝 In Action

Llegó a la fiesta con gafas de sol por la noche, ¡es más chulo que un ocho!

B2

He arrived at the party wearing sunglasses at night, he's such a show-off!

Mira cómo camina, se cree el rey del mundo. Es más chulo que un ocho.

C1

Look how he walks, he thinks he's the king of the world. He's cockier than an eight.

📜 Origin Story

This colorful phrase comes straight from Madrid! The most popular story says it refers to the number 8 tram line. This tram used to travel through traditional neighborhoods known for their 'chulos'—working-class people famous for their sharp style and proud, swaggering attitude. The tram itself was also said to be particularly fancy or well-decorated. So, if you were 'más chulo que un ocho,' you were even more stylish and confident than the most stylish tram in town!

⭐ Usage Tips

Positive or Negative? It's All in the Tone

This phrase can be a playful compliment about someone's sharp style and confidence, or it can be a critique of their arrogance. Your tone of voice makes all the difference. Said with a smile, it's admiring. Said with an eye-roll, it means 'he's so full of himself.'

A Very Spanish Saying

This idiom is a hallmark of Spanish, particularly Madrileño, slang. While some people in Latin America might understand it, it's not commonly used there, and the word 'chulo' can have very different (and sometimes negative) meanings. It's best to save this one for when you're speaking with Spaniards.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Chulo' Meanings

Mistake: "Using this phrase in Latin America where 'chulo' can mean 'pimp' or 'tacky'."

Correction: Remember this idiom is from Spain, where 'chulo' means cool, neat, or cocky. Using it in Mexico or other countries could cause serious confusion or offense. Stick to using it in a Spanish context.

🌎 Where It's Used

🇪🇸

Spain

Extremely common, especially in Madrid where it originated. Widely understood and used throughout the country in informal conversation.

🌎

Latin America

Generally not used and may not be understood. The word 'chulo' can have different meanings, including 'pimp' in some countries, so it's best to avoid this idiom.

🔗 Related Idioms

↔️Similar Meanings

ser un creído

To be conceited

ser un fantasma

To be a show-off (literally 'to be a ghost')

⇆Opposite Meanings

ser humilde

To be humble

no darse importancia

To not think you're important

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: Ser más chulo que un ocho

Question 1 of 1

If your friend says Pablo 'es más chulo que un ocho', what do they most likely mean?

🏷️ Tags

NumbersCommonly UsedSpain

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'ser más chulo que un ocho' be a compliment?

It can be, but it's tricky. Sometimes it's used with a hint of admiration for someone's confidence and style. However, it more often carries a slightly negative or ironic tone, implying the person is a bit too arrogant. Context and tone of voice are everything!