rechiflar y chiflar - what is the difference?

Question

In the dictionary they both me "to boo, whistle, or hiss." What is the difference?

Answer 1

¨rechiflar¨ is to show disapproval or mocking at someone: to boo.

¨chiflar¨ is used when you are trying to catch someone´s attention or calling your dog to come back home, whistle, dog-whistle.

¨chiflarse¨ is to go nuts. ¨Rechiflarse¨ too.

Ooooh! Thank you! - yogamamaof2, Jan 13, 2010

Answer 2

I agree with mediterrunio. I just wish to point out the the prefix re often refers to the adjective/adverb requete which is similar to "muy". So the difference between chiflar and rechiflar is related somewhat to level or intensity. (e.g. whistling to catch someone's attention and whistling to jeer someone.)

Thank for the tip. I will keep a look out for that! - yogamamaof2, Jan 13, 2010

True. However it ´s more than a blowing degree. You don´t ´rechiflas al perro´. Common use shows that you need a group to rechiflar. - mediterrunio, Jan 13, 2010