Understanding "Chorear" in Mexican Spanish

Chorear: Talk, Trick, and Tell Tall Tales

Spanish is rich in expressions with very local, nuanced meanings. One of those verbs you’ll hear frequently in Mexico, but that may puzzle Spanish learners, is “chorear.” This versatile verb isn’t always found in traditional textbooks, yet it's deeply embedded in casual, everyday Mexican Spanish.

This post will explore what "chorear" means in Mexico, how it connects to the noun “choro,” and how similar expressions vary across Latin America. Whether living in Mexico or visiting, these examples will help you understand and maybe even use the choro yourself.

What does "chorear" mean in Mexican Spanish?

The verb chorear in Mexican Spanish comes from the noun "choro," which can mean a long-winded, exaggerated, or dishonest speech. To echar un choro is to give a long-winded explanation, often to distract or impress someone. As a result, "chorear" has come to mean:

1. To talk a lot without saying much

2. To lie or exaggerate

3. To deceive or sweet-talk someone

   
   

It’s primarily informal and often used when someone is being verbose or trying to manipulate through talk.

Common Uses of “Chorear” in Mexico.

Here are some everyday examples that illustrate the different shades of meaning:

1. To Talk a Lot Without Much Substance

Ese político siempre nos chorea en sus discursos.That politician is always rambling in his speeches.

Mi profesor nos choreó toda la clase y no explicó nada del examen. My teacher rambled on the whole class and didn’t explain anything about the exam.

2. To Lie or Exaggerate

No me chorees, dime la verdad. Don’t lie to me, tell me the truth.

Me choreó con que había estudiado, pero no sabía nada.He told me he had studied, but he didn’t know a thing.

3. To Sweet-talk or Deceive Someone (Often Playfully)

Juan la estuvo choreando para que saliera con él.Juan was sweet-talking her to get her to go out with him.

Me chorearon en el mercado, me vendieron algo falso.They tricked me at the market, sold me something fake.

The Noun: "Choro"

As mentioned, “choro” refers to a long speech, often full of fluff or lies. Here are a couple of ways it's commonly used:

Ya viene con su choro de siempre. Here he comes with the same old speech.

No me eches choro. Don’t give me that BS.

How Do Other Latin Americans Say It?

Country	Verb/expression	Example Meaning
Argentina	Chamuyar / Versear	To sweet-talk or ramble
Chile	engrupir, meter chamullo	To deceive or exaggerate
Colombia	echar carreta, embolatar	To talk nonsense or distract
Perú	florear	To flatter or lie with charm
Venezuela	echar labia	To persuade or manipulate

Like many Mexicanisms, "chorear" iis full of personality. It reflects the Mexican way of storytelling, humor, and everyday communication. Whether you're being choreado or doing the chorear, it's a word that adds flavor to your Spanish.

So next time someone gives you a lengthy explanation that sounds a little too smooth, you’ll know exactly what to say:

¿Me estas diciendo la verdad o me estas choreando?

Interested in learning more expressions like this?

Join one of our online Tertulia sessions, where we explore everyday Mexican Spanish in a relaxed and engaging format. Starting this week, the topic is Los verbos muy mexicanos.