What’s the Meaning of ‘Chimba,’ Karol G, Feid & Maluma’s Favorite Word
Colombian slang is more present than ever in the reggaeton scene
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Feid and Karol G are seen on September 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)
If you’re a fan of reggaeton, you’ve probably heard various unfamiliar terms, which, in fact, belong to different slangs depending on the home country of the artist. This is the case with «chimba,» a word frequently used by Colombian superstars like Karol G, Feid, and Maluma, which can have various meanings depending on the context in which it’s used.
In fact, the artist of «Felices los 4» has a song with the Puerto Rican artist Anuel AA titled «Qué Chimba,» where they both talk about a celebration.
Karol even got her idol, Rihanna, to say «chimba.» Moreover, a few months ago, we saw a video of both stars joking around with the term. The diva herself explained the meaning of this word at the Mañana Será Bonito fan event, summing it up as, «Chimba is like awesome, but more chimba,» she replied, with laughter.
And that’s one of its meanings: «chimba» is usually used to refer to something good. However, it can also be used in the opposite sense. According to the «Así Hablamos» portal, you can find this term in sentences like «Qué moto tan chimba» to indicate that the motorcycle is «cool,» but it can also be said «Qué reloj tan chimbo. Lo compré ayer y ya no funciona,» referring to the watch not being worth it.
However, this word also has a sexual connotation, as it refers to the female genital organ. That’s why in Maluma’s song, the reggaeton artist uses this word to refer to women: «Todas las chimbitas y todos los parceros prepárense.»
And you, did you know what «chimba» meant?