Lela is a synonym for lesbian used primarily among the youth of Chile.[1] This term can be used pejoratively, but it's generally used as a shorter word for "lesbiana" in a reclaiming manner.
Similar terms include: fleta, maricona, torta, sopaipilla and croqueta.
Etymology
It is unclear whether or not lela comes from a deformation of the word "lesbiana" in Spanish or if it's originates from the general spanish meaning of lela,[2] which is "stupid, dull, dummy or idiot."[3] The word lela is also short for "abuela", which happens to mean grandma.[4]
References
- ↑ https://www.moscasdecolores.com/en/lesbian-dictionary/spanish/lela/#:~:text=Chile%20youthful%20expression%20used%20to%20refer%20to%20lesbians.
- ↑ https://www.moscasdecolores.com/en/lesbian-dictionary/spanish/lela/#:~:text=We%20do%20not%20know%20if%20it%20is%20for%20being%20a%20transformation%20of%20the%20word%20lesbian%2C%20or%20for%20its%20meaning%20of%20silly.
- ↑ https://www.wordreference.com/es/en/translation.asp?spen=lela
- ↑ https://www.t13.cl/noticia/nacional/abuela-joven-asesinado-tiroteo-puente-alto-era-cabro-tranquilo#:~:text=%22Me%20dijo%2C%20Lela%2C%20voy%20al%20frente%20a%20jugar%20a%20las%20m%C3%A1quinas