Ever wonder what the origin of the word “Chamba” is?
“Chamba” is a word that in Mexico refers to “work” or “employment,” and its origin dates back to the migration of Mexican braceros to the United States in the 1940s.
When braceros’ contracts ended, they had to go to the Chamber of Commerce office to renew their work permits. Over time, the term became degenerate, and they colloquially said, “Voy a la ‘chamba'” or “voy a ‘chambear‘.”
Some experts claim that the origin of the word “chamba” is much older, while the Royal Spanish Academy accepts it to refer to employment, work, and occupation, not only in Mexico but also in Central America, as well as Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia.
It’s going to take some real “chamba” to find out its real origin…
