chico

¹ American  

[chee-koh] / ˈtʃi koʊ /

noun

1. Informal. a boy or young man (often used as a nickname or form of address).

   Sorry, chico, but that’s not the killer argument you’d like to think it is!

   We hoped we looked like just a couple of laid-back chicos out for a stroll.

---

chico ² American  

[chee-koh] / ˈtʃi koʊ /

noun

plural

chicos

1. greasewood.

---

Chico ³ American  

[chee-koh] / ˈtʃi koʊ /

noun

1. a city in central California.

2. a male given name.

---

chico British  

/ ˈtʃiːkəʊ /

noun

1. another name for greasewood

---

Etymology

Origin of chico¹

First recorded in 1965–70; from Spanish: “boy,” of expressive origin, representing a common Romance stem found in words for small things; compare Latin ciccum “bagatelle, trifle, worthless object” ( chinchy ( def. ) )

Origin of chico²

Short for chicalote ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Every single day I was on it, all day long,” the Chico, Calif., woman said Thursday, her voice tremulous and her cheeks flushed to the color of her rose maxi dress.

From Los Angeles Times

The plaintiff, a Chico, Calif., woman referred to as Kaley G.M., appeared in the courtroom for the first time since she was briefly introduced during opening statements on Feb. 9.

From Los Angeles Times

Lanier’s client, a Chico, Calif., woman referred to as Kaley G.M., said she became addicted to social media as a grade-schooler, and charges that YouTube and Instagram were designed to hook young users and keep them trapped on the platforms.

From Los Angeles Times

“The nearest public university is CSU Chico, more than 80 miles away. … For many students in that region, pursuing a bachelor’s degree elsewhere simply is not feasible.”

From Los Angeles Times

The plaintiff, a Chico, Calif., woman referred to as Kaley G.M., said she became addicted to social media as a grade schooler, and charges that YouTube and Instagram were built to snare very young children and keep them hooked, despite known design flaws that made their products dangerous.

From Los Angeles Times