“Me Gusta El Chicken”: The Viral Phrase That Crossed Language Barriers

Have you ever caught yourself mixing languages when speaking? Maybe you’ve said “me gusta el chicken” instead of the proper Spanish “me gusta el pollo.” Well, you’re not alone! This phrase has become quite the phenomenon online, especially after going viral as a meme. I’m gonna break down everything about this cross-language expression, its origins, and why it’s become so popular.

What Does “Me Gusta El Chicken” Mean?

The phrase “me gusta el chicken” is a mix of Spanish and English (often called Spanglish) that literally translates to “I like chicken.” It combines

• “Me gusta” – Spanish for “I like”
• “El” – Spanish for “the”
• “Chicken” – English word instead of the Spanish “pollo”

This phrase has gained popularity as a humorous example of code-switching, where bilingual speakers mix languages mid-sentence It’s become especially popular in memes and social media content

The Viral Meme Origin

The phrase gained massive popularity after it became associated with Yahritza y Su Esencia, a Mexican-American band who made comments about Mexican food that many viewed as disrespectful. During an interview, band members expressed preferences for “chicken” over traditional Mexican dishes, which sparked controversy.

Christian Nodal a popular Mexican singer, later mocked these comments in a viral video where he jokingly said “a mí solo me gusta el chicken de Washington” (I only like chicken from Washington) referring to Yahritza’s home state. This video spread widely on platforms like Facebook and TikTok, turning the phrase into a full-blown meme.

Why Did It Go Viral?

There are several reasons why “me gusta el chicken” caught on:

1. Cultural tension – It highlighted discussions about cultural authenticity and respect
2. Relatability – Many bilingual speakers naturally mix languages this way
3. Simplicity – It’s easy to remember and repeat
4. Humor – The phrase sounds funny to both Spanish and English speakers
5. Celebrity involvement – Christian Nodal’s mockery amplified its reach

The Correct Way to Say “I Like Chicken” in Spanish

If you’re trying to properly express your love for chicken in Spanish, here are the correct expressions:

Formal Expressions:

• “Me gusta el pollo” (meh GOO-stah ehl poh-yoh)
• “Disfruto del pollo” (dees-FROO-toh del poh-yoh) – A more sophisticated way expressing enjoyment

Informal Expressions:

• “Me gusta el pollo” – Same as formal, it works in both contexts
• “Me encanta el pollo” (meh en-KAHN-tah ehl poh-yoh) – A stronger expression meaning “I love chicken”

Regional Variations Across Spanish-Speaking Countries

Different Spanish-speaking regions might have slight variations:

Latin America:

• Some regions might use “gallina” or “ave” instead of “pollo”
• “Me gusta la gallina/ave” – Used in various Latin American countries

Spain:

• “Me chifla el pollo” – An informal way to say “I adore chicken”

The Cultural Impact of “Me Gusta El Chicken”

The meme has had several interesting cultural effects:

1. Conversations About Cultural Identity

The viral nature of this phrase sparked discussions about:

• Cultural authenticity among Mexican-Americans
• The phenomenon of language mixing in immigrant communities
• Food as a symbol of cultural identity

2. TikTok and Social Media Explosion

On TikTok, the hashtag has generated thousands of videos where people:

• Create parodies of the original controversy
• Share their own Spanglish phrases
• Make cooking videos featuring chicken dishes with humorous captions

3. Marketing Opportunities

Some smart businesses have capitalized on the phrase:

• Restaurants offering “Me Gusta El Chicken” specials
• T-shirts and merchandise featuring the slogan
• Social media campaigns targeting bilingual consumers

Code-Switching and Spanglish in Everyday Life

“Me gusta el chicken” is a perfect example of code-switching, which is actually a normal linguistic phenomenon:

• Bilingual speakers naturally switch between languages
• It’s not a sign of poor language skills but often demonstrates fluency in both languages
• Code-switching serves various social and communicative functions

Common examples of Spanglish beyond “me gusta el chicken”:

• “Voy a parkear el carro” (I’m going to park the car)
• “Estoy chekeando mi email” (I’m checking my email)
• “Dame un call más tarde” (Give me a call later)

Tips for Effective Spanish Communication

If you’re trying to improve your Spanish and avoid unintentional Spanglish, here are some helpful tips:

1. Pronunciation Practice:

   • Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of “pollo” (poh-yoh)
   • Practice with native speakers or language apps

2. Cultural Awareness:

   • Understand that food terminology can vary significantly between Spanish-speaking regions
   • Be aware that food preferences can be tied to cultural identity

3. Embrace Learning From Mistakes:

   • Don’t be afraid to make errors – even “me gusta el chicken” can be a learning opportunity
   • Use humor to remember correct terms

Is It OK to Say “Me Gusta El Chicken”?

While “me gusta el chicken” isn’t grammatically correct Spanish, it’s perfectly fine in certain contexts:

✅ Appropriate when:

• Joking with friends who understand the reference
• Participating in meme culture
• In casual settings where Spanglish is commonly used

❌ Not ideal when:

• In formal Spanish conversations
• Learning proper Spanish grammar
• In academic or professional settings

My Personal Experience with Spanglish

I’ve definitely had my share of Spanglish moments! When I first started learning Spanish, I would constantly substitute English words when I couldn’t remember the Spanish equivalent. “Me gusta el chicken” reminds me of the time I told my Spanish-speaking friend “Necesito comprar un new carro” instead of “carro nuevo.” We still laugh about it!

These language mix-ups are part of the learning process, and sometimes they stick around as inside jokes or, in the case of “me gusta el chicken,” become widespread cultural phenomena.

Fun Ways to Use the “Me Gusta El Chicken” Meme

If you want to join in on the fun:

• Create content using the hashtag on social media
• Learn the correct Spanish phrase as well to show cultural appreciation
• Explore other viral Spanglish phrases and their origins
• Cook a chicken dish and caption it with both “me gusta el chicken” and “me gusta el pollo”

“Me gusta el chicken” is more than just a funny phrase—it represents the beautiful complexity of bilingual communities and how language evolves. While purists might cringe, linguists see these phenomena as natural and important aspects of language development.

Whether you’re a Spanish learner who accidentally says “chicken” instead of “pollo,” or someone who deliberately mixes languages for effect, remember that language is fluid. The viral nature of “me gusta el chicken” shows how shared humor around language can bring people together.

So next time you’re enjoying some delicious chicken, feel free to declare “me gusta el chicken” with a smile—just know that “me gusta el pollo” is there when you need it!

“Me gusta pollo” is a Spanish phrase that means “I like chicken” or “I love chicken”.