What Does Hyna Mean?

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Get clued in on this Mexican-American slang

Co-authored by Language Academia and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: August 5, 2024 Fact Checked

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Meaning

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When to Use Hyna

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Alternate Meanings

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Classic Examples

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Related Slang

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There’s no shortage of slang to keep track of these days, including jargon from completely different languages. Take “hyna,” for instance—this Spanish slang word seems to be popping up all over TikTok. If you’re feeling in the dark, you’ve come to the right article. We’re here to take a closer at exactly what this word means, and where you’ll most likely come across it in the future.

Section 1 of 5:

What does hyna mean?

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Hyna is a Mexican-American slang word for “nice-looking chick” or “girl.” Hyna is a fairly common slang word that originated in the Mexican-American community, and is often used when referring to a person’s girlfriend/significant other.^{[1]
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Research source} While the word itself isn’t inherently positive or negative, it’s sometimes used to refer to women in a negative/objectifying light.^{[2]
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- Someone might say “That’s Ángel’s hyna!” to refer to Ángel’s girlfriend.
- The actual slang is spelled as “jaina,” but it’s pronounced (and often spelled) as “hyna.”
- Hyna can be used as an endearing term for a significant other. Just as guys often call their girlfriends “babe” or “honey,” the word “hyna” can be used in a similar way.^{[3]
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Section 2 of 5:

When to Use Hyna

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You should only use “hyna” if you know the other person well. “Hyna” is a very casual way of telling a woman that they look good—in some cases, it can even come off as rude if you don’t explain your intentions.^{[4]
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Research source} Only use this word if you feel like the other person won’t take offense to it.
- “Adrian’s hyna is looking great!”
- “I can’t take my eyes off that hyna!”
- Important note: As a slang word, “hyna” is used pretty exclusively by the Mexican-American community. If you aren’t a member of this community, you don’t have any real reason to use it.

Section 3 of 5:

Alternate Meanings of Hyna

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In rare instances, someone might write “HyunA” as “hyna” (or something similar) if they type the singer’s name too quickly and make a typo. This isn’t very common, though—you’d only find this typo on a K-Pop-related social media post or comment.

Section 4 of 5:

Classic Examples

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Cyberpunk 2077In the video game Cyberpunk 2077, a character named Jackie calls the main character (who you play as) “hyna.” In the context of the game, he seems to mean it in a casual and non-romantic sense, since he and the main character aren’t romantically involved.^{[5]
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- Some players took issue with the fact that Jackie uses such a stereotype-ridden slang word in a game that’s set several decades into the future.
Back in 1996, the artist Sublime released the song “Santeria” as part of his self-titled album. In the song, he uses the term “hyna” (spelled “heina” on some lyric sites) to refer to a girlfriend/female lover.^{[6]
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Section 5 of 5:

Related Slang

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"Hyna" is one of loads of trendy TikTok terms. Want to add more slang terms and phrases to your everyday vocab? Try these:
- Bruh: a shortened form of “brother,” used to address friends and express emotions like exasperation, joy, and disbelief
- Bussin: a word to describe something that's really good
- Chivalry is dead: "Chivalry is dead" is often used to complain about a lack of manners or generally uncourteous behavior.
- Copium: a combination of “cope” and “opium,” used to tell someone that they’re in denial about something
- Delulu: delusional
- The devil is in the details: a saying that refers to a situation that seems simple at first but actually has important details you need to take into account
- Golden retriever energy: used to refer to someone who has lots of energy and a lovable personality
- I feel you: "I understand where you're coming from," used to express understanding or agreement with someone
- My Roman Empire: something you think about daily
- Partner in crime: someone who acts as an accomplice or accessory, or someone you trust completely
- Pookie: a term of endearment people use to describe something cute, similar to "honey" or "sweetie pie"
- Stand on business: to stand by what you've said in the past and "take care of business"
- Thunder thighs: large or muscular thighs
- Ride or die: someone who’s always there for you.
- When you know, you know: an adage suggesting you’ll intuitively know when you’ve found “The One"
- Word: "cool" or "OK"