How Not to Spell Chihuahua

by dcr on July 17th, 2008

This is how to spell Chihuahua: C H I H U A H U A.

The Chihuahua was first found in Mexico, in the state of Chihuahua. That’s where it got its name.

Thus, to non-Spanish speaking people, it may be confusing as to how to spell the name because of the “hua” formation, which is pronounced as “wa” or “wah”. That leads some people to spell “Chihuahua” as “Chiwawa.” Or even “Chiwahwah.”

For whatever reason, some people think there is an extra “a” in there, and want to spell it as “Chiawawa” or even “Chiawahwah.” Probably for the same reason Tijuana is often misspelled as “Tiajuana.”

It is also not spelled “Cheewawa” or “Chewawa.” Some people have watched too much Star Wars, evidently! Or maybe that’s because there is also a Chihuahua cheese (queso chihuahua). No, it’s not made out of Chihuahua milk; it’s made from cow milk but, like the Chihuahua, the cheese originated in Chihuahua, Mexico. Nonetheless, Chihuahua is not spelled “Cheewawa.”

Some people, recognizing that the “j” in Spanish is pronounced as an “h,” may spell it as “Chijuajua,” which is still not correct.

Still others will be close, guessing “Chihuhua” or “Chihuahu” or even “Chiahuhua.” Close, but no cigar. Sorry.

The correct spelling is “Chihuahua.” Trust us, or we’ll send the crazy chihuahua out to bite your ankles!

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