noun Street Slang

carnal

kar-NAHL · noun · la

Caló for brother — blood-tight, family-close.

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Definitions

1

Brother. Used for an actual sibling or for a friend so close he's family. Heavier than 'homie' — this is the ride-or-die.

“That's my carnal, we grew up two houses down from each other.”
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2

As a vocative — calling out to a close male friend, the way 'bro' or 'fam' works.

“Que onda, carnal, long time no see.”
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3

A brother or extremely close friend, treated like family; 'carnala' for a sister/close female friend.

“Ese morrito es mi carnal.”
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carnal In A Sentence

That's my carnal, we grew up two houses down from each other.
Que onda, carnal, long time no see.

Origin & Usage

From Spanish 'carnal' (of the flesh, related by blood). In Caló and Chicano English it became the word for a brother — by blood or by bond. Deeply embedded in East LA and broader Mexican-American culture.

Variants carnala
Tags #la#calo#chicano#hip-hop#family#urban-lingo

People Also Ask

What does carnal mean in slang?

In Mexican and Chicano slang, carnal means a brother or an extremely close friend treated like blood family; 'carnala' is the female equivalent.

Where does carnal come from?

It comes from 'primo carnal' (blood cousin), emphasizing a blood-close bond, and became Chicano/Mexican slang for 'brother'.

Is carnal only used for actual brothers?

No, it's often used for a best friend who is as close as family, not just a biological brother.

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