Here’s all you need to know about Jeringonza, the secret Spanish language
Played throughout Latin America and in Spain, Jeringonza is a fun Spanish word game that is also known as Spanish pig latin. The game, mostly played by children, entails repeating the vowel after every word and appending the letter p. Lola, for instance, becomes Lopo-lapas.
Speaking in “Efe,” “Pe,” or “Chi” are the three most typical ways to use Jeringonza, according to the Spanish Dictionary. Speaking in “Efe” entails repeating the vowels in words and adding the “f-” sound. For instance, “hola” becomes “hofolafa” and “hoy” becomes “hoyfoy.” Conversely, the “Pe” variant repeats vowels and adds the “p” sound to syllables. Thus, “casa” turns into “capasapa.”
Finally, the “Chi” kind of Spanish Pig Latin merely prefixes each and every syllable in a word with the letter “chi.” “Casa” would genuinely turn into “chicachisa.” It’s interesting to note that there are variations of this form; some individuals substitute “cha” or “ti” sounds. Whichever form it is, Caribbean nations like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are the main producers of the “Chi” variety.
Brazil, on the other hand, refers to the Spanish game by its own unique name, Língua do Pê. They can even alter the vowels and add “p” sounds to Portuguese in their own rendition.
A lot of our moms, dads, tíos, and abuelos have always used this Spanish word game to keep chisme a secret. Since many of us are chismosos from birth, we had to acquire this mystical language quickly as children. We spent our childhoods scratching our heads at it.
The goal is the same regardless of the kind of Jeringonza that is used. The next time you hear someone use it, you’ll know for sure that they’re trying to keep whatever they’re saying low-key.