híjole

What it means

1. 1.

   Wow; geez; oh dear. Surprise, dismay or reluctant sympathy — and very often the sound of someone about to tell you no.

Examples with translations

• Híjole, no me di cuenta de la hora.

  Oh no, I didn't notice the time.

• —¿Me lo puedes tener listo para mañana? —Híjole…

  'Can you have it ready for tomorrow?' 'Ohh…'

  Note: A soft refusal. Recognising this saves a lot of confusion.

Where it comes from

A euphemistic reshaping of hijo de… ('son of a…'), cut off before the offending noun and given the Mexican -le ending. Completely inoffensive as a result.

Other forms

Similar terms:

órale, chale