Chavacano vs. Chabacano — Why the Spelling Matters
Chavacano is the correct written name of the Zamboangueño language. It was proudly coined by the people of Zamboanga City to identify a unique language that belongs to them. It is not a Spanish word.
Chabacano, however, is a Spanish word — but its meaning is derogatory. In Spanish dictionaries, the word chabacano refers to something coarse, unrefined, vulgar, or low-quality. That is why Spaniards once used it to describe certain creole forms of Spanish as “broken” or “unpolished.”
The communities in Cavite, Ternate, and Ermita did not give their dialects their own name. They simply adopted the Spanish label chabacano. Zamboanga did the opposite. Zamboangueños created and named their language CHAVACANO, establishing ownership and identity.
Pronounced “Cha-ba-ca-no” — Written CHAVACANO
Many Zamboangueños speak with natural shifts such as:
- V → B (e.g., Chavacano → “Chabacano”)
- F → P (Frio → “Prio”)
- Z → S (Zamboanga → “Samboanga”)
Speech can vary, but spelling preserves heritage.
| Spoken | Written |
|---|---|
| Yo si Rodolpo Palcatan Crus. De Samboanga yo y chabacano mi lenguaje. | Yo si Rodolfo Falcatan Cruz. De Zamboanga yo y chavacano mi lenguaje. |
To write chabacano is to reduce the language to the old insult the Spaniards once used. Writing CHAVACANO protects its dignity.
How the Confusion Spread
Some politicians, media groups, and non-Zamboangueños assumed the spelling should follow the sound. They promoted Chabacano without knowing the cultural and historical context. Once government materials adopted the mistake, it spread even faster.
But the rule is simple:
If it refers to the language of Zamboanga — it must be CHAVACANO.
The Meaning of the Name
Our written word connects us to identity:
- CHAVACANO = Pride, ownership, culture of Zamboanga
- chabacano = A Spanish insult and mislabel
That is why Zamboangueños care deeply about the spelling.
A Call to Protect Our Language
The Chavacano language lives here in Zamboanga. It survives only if we protect the name that defines it. Everyone — from elders to students, from residents to the diaspora — shares this responsibility.
Man ayudahan kita para el lenguaje Chavacano di aton — no hay debe mori.
This dictionary and community platform are open to all who wish to help the language grow. Contribute words, submit examples, and continue writing proudly in CHAVACANO.