Verb
/t͡ʃuˈpaɾ/
"Chupar" primarily means "to suck" in Spanish. It is commonly used in various contexts, from sucking on food items to drinking beverages (like sucking through a straw). In colloquial usage, it can also refer to the act of consuming alcohol or other substances. The word is frequently used in oral speech and is understood across different Spanish-speaking regions, including Honduras, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile. It has a moderate frequency of use in everyday conversations.
Los bebés suelen chupar el pecho de su madre.
(Babies usually suck on their mother's breast.)
Voy a chupar un poco de jugo con la pajilla.
(I am going to sip some juice through the straw.)
No deberías chupar tanto, te hará mal.
(You shouldn't drink so much; it's not good for you.)
"Chupar" is frequently used in idiomatic expressions, particularly in colloquial contexts. Below are a few notable examples:
Chupar hasta perder la razón.
(To drink until losing control.)
Refers to excessive drinking.
Chupar en la luna.
(To suck on the moon.)
Means to be in an impossible or unrealistic situation.
Chupar un dedo.
(To suck a finger.)
Often refers to the behavior of children, but can imply being naive or innocent.
No me chupes la energía.
(Don't suck my energy.)
Used when someone feels drained by another person’s negativity or demanding personality.
Chupar como esponja.
(To suck like a sponge.)
Indicates someone who absorbs information or experiences quickly.
The word "chupar" comes from the Latin verb "sūcare," which means "to suck." Its structure has evolved in the Spanish language but retains the essential meaning.
Synonyms: - Sorber (to sip) - Absorber (to absorb) - Mamar (to suck, mostly used in specific contexts like with animals)
Antonyms: - Escupir (to spit)
Overall, "chupar" is a versatile verb that spans various contexts and forms a part of idiomatic expressions, enhancing its usage in everyday conversation across different Latin American cultures.