Noun
/hinˈt͡ʃa/
The word hincha is primarily used in the context of sports, referring to a fan, especially of football (soccer), who is passionate about a particular team. It conveys a sense of loyalty and enthusiasm toward supporting a team during games, often in a vocal and sometimes exuberant manner. It is widely used in colloquial speech, particularly among sports communities, and is frequently used in oral contexts, given the social nature of being a fan.
El hincha del equipo no paró de animar durante todo el partido.
(The fan of the team did not stop cheering throughout the entire match.)
Los hinchas se reunieron en el estadio para celebrar la victoria.
(The supporters gathered at the stadium to celebrate the victory.)
Ser hincha de un equipo significa ser parte de una gran familia.
(Being a fan of a team means being part of a big family.)
The word "hincha" is often found in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, reflecting the culture surrounding sports fandom.
Ser un hincha a muerte
(To be a die-hard fan)
Siempre he sido un hincha a muerte de mi equipo, sin importar sus resultados.
(I have always been a die-hard fan of my team, regardless of their results.)
Hincha de la camiseta
(Fan of the jersey)
Es un verdadero hincha de la camiseta; siempre apoya al equipo sin importar quién juegue.
(He is a true fan of the jersey; he always supports the team no matter who plays.)
Hincha en la grada
(Fan in the stands)
Los hinchas en la grada hicieron mucho ruido para apoyar a su equipo.
(The fans in the stands made a lot of noise to support their team.)
Hincha de poco peso
(Fair-weather fan)
No me gustan los hinchas de poco peso que solo apoyan al equipo cuando gana.
(I don't like fair-weather fans who only support the team when it wins.)
The term hincha comes from the Spanish verb hinchar, which means "to inflate" or "to swell." The application of the word in the context of fans likely refers to inflating one’s enthusiasm and pride for a team.