chico
UK[ˈtʃiːkəʊ]US[ˈtʃiːkoʊ]
n
A type of small, sweet, dark purple fruit similar to a plum.
n
The tropical American tree that bears this fruit.
n
(chiefly Southwestern US, informal) A boy or young man.
Etymology
The word 'chico' entered English as a direct borrowing from Spanish, where it primarily means 'boy' or 'small'. This Spanish term itself is a diminutive form derived from the Latin 'ciccum', which referred to a trifle or a small thing. When applied to the fruit, the name 'chico' logically follows the Spanish convention of using descriptive terms, highlighting the fruit's typically small size. The informal use meaning 'young man' in American English reflects a direct carryover of the original Spanish meaning into regional vernacular.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from Spanish. It is not productively formed from separable English morphemes.
Examples
The market vendor sold ripe chicos that were incredibly sweet and juicy.
They planted a chico tree in their backyard, hoping it would thrive in the warm climate.
He was just a local chico who everyone in the neighborhood knew and liked.