How can I find how spanish slang words originated

Question

I would like to know how some spanish slang words originated. where would I be able to find this type of info? For example the word chela.. I figure that it is a clipping of the words cervesa and helada....c+hela= chela... but how can I find out "chelas" true origin or any other slang word's origin?

Answer 1

Some of the "slang" is likely to be related to the native languages spoken in a region (remember that there are over 1000 languages spoken all over the Americas), and others will be documented, if you are lucky. Otherwise, most theories will be pure speculation, so don't expect to find a definite source of knowledge on this; even in standard languages, there are many words that can't be properly traced to a proper source.

Answer 2

Private message Lazarus. After beating you with a big stick through your computer screen, he will share vast amounts of word knowledge.

I no longer use a stick. Now I use high voltage, hehe. - lazarus1907, Jun 5, 2011

Answer 3

See, while I was typing my message, he was already whipping up some crazy-azz response. (Thanks Lazarus for your insight as always.)

Answer 4

Here's a link to a site where you can search Spanish words and find their origin. I searched a couple of slang words and they were listed but chela wasn't there.

You could also do a google search for something like "etimologia de la palabra chela" and see what comes up.

I don't know how you could find etymology info in English about Spanish slang.