2 definitions by Ratón de Biblioteca
Used in several countries of Latin America (previously thought to have originated in Buenos Aires). Also spelled chamullo and the verb infinitive can be chamullar or chamuyar. Among the various shades of meaning, it commonly signifies speaking on a subject with a pretense of authority, when in reality the speaker is simply inventing, or "bullshitting." It can also mean "sweet talk" such as when a guy is "talking trash" to a girl, saying nothing of substance, for the purpose of socializing. Although these uses are largely Spanish and Pocho slang, "chamuyo" appears to be making inroads into English slang.
by Ratón de Biblioteca September 9, 2010
This expression was made popular by Chilean Marxist president Allende during the early 1970s. It comes from the Spanish "La vía chilena al socialismo" ("The Chilean Way to Socialism"). "The Chile Way" at that time meant theft or undervalued payment by the State for privately owned properties, such as copper mines and farms. "The Chilean Way" also meant management by the State of large farms which were taken from small-holders, although this Chilean Way of farm management turned into a disaster and Chile had to import a great deal of food from foreign suppliers. So in many ways, The Chilean Way came to be associated with failed Socialist experimentation. Since the end of the Allende administration in 1973, The Chilean Way has taken on additional meanings which reflect the local social and cultural characteristics. For example, construction work done The Chilean Way means that the trades people will not show up for work on time, and often not sober, and will expect to be paid whether they work or not, and will steal the building materials and tools of the owner or construction company. Some people suggest that The Chilean Way can also mean "flojera"(laziness) or "a medias" which is Chilean for something done just half-way, or barely satisfactory. In Chile we also say "the right way, and the Chilean Way."
"I thought I hired a good gasfiter (plumber) but he just did things The Chilean Way -- you know, with massive amounts of silicone to seal the leaks."
"The student leaders of the FECh are doing things The Chilean Way and demanding that they have subsidised bus fares even during weekends and summer vacation."
"The student leaders of the FECh are doing things The Chilean Way and demanding that they have subsidised bus fares even during weekends and summer vacation."
by Ratón de Biblioteca September 15, 2011