chupacabra

[ choo-puh--kah-bruh ]

noun

1. a blood-sucking, hairless creature of Latin American legend that is said to attack livestock, especially goats:

   We concluded that the chupacabra sightings in Texas were most likely coyotes with mange.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chupacabra¹

First recorded in 1995–2000; from Spanish, literally “goat sucker,” equivalent to chupar “to suck” + cabra “goat,” possibly a translation of Latin caprimulgus; capri- ( def ), milk ( def ), goatsucker ( def )

Example Sentences

Dead animals littered the side of the road; deer, raccoons, something that looked like a purple jackal, a Chupacabra or two, what looked like a werewolf, and at least one low-flying turkey vulture.

From Salon

In our own research and more representative surveys, a higher percentage of respondents tend to say they believe in Bigfoot than other cryptids, including the Yeti, Chupacabra, Loch Ness Monster, and, the Mothman.

From Slate

Regardless, when supposedly cancelled comics are landing Netflix specials, selling out stadiums, or winning a best comedy album Grammy following this supposed career death, that tells us that this dire menace to clown kind is about as real as the Chupacabra.

From Salon

This dire menace to clown kind is about as real as the chupacabra.

From Salon

They walked past me as if I had cooties, or stared with disdain from inside the restaurant like I was a chupacabra.

From Los Angeles Times