The Definition of a Chingona
Today I will be a chingona.
“A [chingona] is a female version of a hustler.” (Queue Beyonce's Diva)
Being a chingona is both a choice and an honor. It is a constant state of mind, not to be taken lightly.
The word chingona is making a comeback. Giving credit where credit is due, Sandra Cisneros reminded me to “own my chingonaness.” My mom has always told me to be a chingona. it never meant bitchy or anything negative in my house. It was always a compliment, an aspiration. Let’s establish this once and for all - being a chingona is a very, very good thing.
I would like to thank Urban Dictionary for describing chingonas as “the most badass girls in the world.” Flattering, really. But how to describe a chingona to the unfamiliar? Let me count the ways:
A chingona is dynamic.
A chingona hustles. She doesn’t sit tight. She makes it happen.
A chingona fights for what she believes in. Conviction through and through.
A chingona is passionate.
A chingona is so passionate, some might think she’s a little insane.
A chingona is powerful. She is strength, courage, and hard work.
A chingona is determined. She pushes and sprints and dives into everything she does.
A chingona sees no limits. Openminded and audacious.
A chingona does it for her gente. If you call yourself a chingona, you can’t forget the people who helped you become one.
A chingona attracts other chingonas. This is very important - there’s no way you’re doing this alone.
A chingona has no room for envy or insecurities. That fuels the haters but builds bonds with other chingonas. This dynamic creates a shared connection any real chingona can understand.
A chingona is true to herself and doesn’t let others change her. It’s hard enough being a chingona, no need to be one on anyone else’s terms.
A chingona is restless. She stays up at night, wakes up early, and still wants more hours in the day.
A chingona is loud. Introvert, extrovert, doesn’t matter. Her voice is heard.
A chingona defines success for herself. Others may not understand what success means to her, perhaps because her own definition of success is bigger than herself.
A chingona wants to see young chingonas coming up. As a beloved mentor once told me, “It gets lonely at the top. Bring others with you.”
A chingona looks good. She wears confidence, humility and grace, and she makes it look great.
A chingona is full of mystery. You never really know what’s brewing behind her eyes, behind her story, but oh yes is it intriguing.
A chingona is up for adventures. The only way for a chingona to stay driven is to find out what else is out there.
A chingona trusts in the universe. “And when you want something, the universe conspires to help you achieve it.” - Paulo Coelho (a chingon in his own right).
A chingona sometimes gets stretched too thin. She’s working on that…
A chingona is inspired by those who push boundaries and live on the edge of passion for whatever they believe in.
A chingona is a dancer. In spirit or in heels, she lives to a rhythm all her own.
A chingona values quality people she can trust. Nothing less.
A chingona can put her hair up and get her hands dirty. She also cleans up well.
A chingona believes in the strength of bold black eyeliner. Making a statement.
A chingona sees a challenge and runs toward it. That’s just how it works - aim for what’s hard and you’ll thrive.
A chingona is tough, sincere, and kind. She is all juxtaposition.
A chingona is the definition of pride, ache, dreams, and strength.
A chingona will be a president one day.
A chingona is my mom.
A chingona will be my daughter.
A chingona is here to stay.
Today I will be a chingona.
