"Cabro" is primarily used as a noun in Spanish.
/kabɾo/
In Chilean vernacular, "cabro" is often used to refer to a young boy or a kid, but it can also be utilized informally to refer to a young person or male in general. While its primary meaning refers to youth, in casual conversations, it is also sometimes used among friends similarly to how "dude" or "guy" is used in English.
The word is commonly used in oral speech rather than written contexts. It is part of everyday conversation among younger populations and is frequently heard in various social settings.
"That kid is very smart for his age."
"Hola, cabro, ¿cómo estás?"
"Hey, dude, how are you?"
"El cabro que fue a la fiesta es mi primo."
The word "cabro" can appear in various idiomatic expressions primarily in informal contexts. Here are a few examples:
Example: "Ese cabro chico siempre juega en el parque."
"Cabro de la calle"
Example: "El cabro de la calle sabe cómo sobrevivir."
"Cabro suelto"
Example: "Ese cabro suelto siempre está metido en problemas."
"Cabro con cuaderno"
The term "cabro" originates from the Latin word "capra," which means goat. In some regions, it traditionally used to refer to a young goat, and over time, it evolved to depict young boys, mostly in a colloquial and informal context.
Overall, "cabro" is an informal yet culturally significant term in Chilean Spanish, embodying both friendship and youth in varied contexts.