Caló

[ kuh-loh; Spanish kah-law ]

noun

1. a variety of Spanish influenced by Mexican underworld argot with a large admixture of English words, spoken especially by Mexican Americans in cities of the southwestern United States.
2. a language spoken by the Spanish and Portuguese Roma.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Caló¹

First recorded in 1840–45 Caló fordef 2, and in 1945–50 Caló fordef 1; from Spanish, from Romani

Example Sentences

Calo: We wanted it to sound like when you’re in a room with way too many people who’ve known each other for way too long and are probably drinking way too much.

From Los Angeles Times

Calo: It’s usually the matriarchs doing all the work to make these Christmases nice for their families, and it’s just f— miserable.

From Los Angeles Times

Calo: There’s no level of appreciation that would make it work for Donna.

From Los Angeles Times

Calo: Donna has forced Natalie for her whole life into the place of making it OK and then resenting her for making it OK.

From Los Angeles Times

Calo: You gotta sort out all this parent s— before you get into a relationship.

From Los Angeles Times