jefa

Jefa is a Spanish noun that denotes a woman who holds a position of authority, specifically a female boss or leader. It is the feminine form of jefe and is used to refer to someone in charge, as well as in vocative constructions, for example “¡Hola, jefa!”.

Etymology and form: Jefa derives from jefe, which in turn comes from the French word chef meaning head, ultimately tracing back to Latin caput meaning head. The gender-inflected pair jefe and jefa reflects Spanish patterns of noun gender corresponding to the person’s sex.

Usage and regional variation: The term is widely used in Spain and across Latin America in formal and informal contexts. In workplaces, it identifies a female supervisor or manager; in family or community settings, it can describe a female leader or matriarch. The tone of usage can be neutral, respectful, or affectionate depending on context, intonation, and relationship between speakers. Diminutives such as jefita are common as affectionate forms, while slang variants like jefazo or jefaza can emphasize a powerful or formidable boss.

Cultural notes: The phrase la jefa appears in political, social, and popular cultural contexts as a symbol of female leadership. It may be used to acknowledge competence and authority, or, in some contexts, to convey irony or emphasis.

See also: jefe, jefatura, jefatura femenina.