Meaning of 'cariño' as NBA YoungBoy's Kehlani IG comment sparks curiosity

NBA YoungBoy fans are curious to know the meaning of the Spanish saying “cariño” after the rapper commented it on singer Kehlani’s IG.

This week, the 22-year-old artist left some fans confused. It comes after he commented the Spanish saying on a post on the 27-year-old’s Instagram page. 

The comment appears to have been discussed across social media and has prompted some to wonder what exactly it means. Let’s take a look…

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NBA YoungBoy leaves ‘cariño’ comment on Kehlani IG post

On Wednesday (August 31), singer Kehlani – who is currently on tour across North America – shared a few sultry snaps while in Houston, Texas. 

Fans flooded the comments with compliments. However, the post also appeared to catch the eye of NBA YoungBoy who left a comment in Spanish on the post. 

Under Kehlani’s latest post, the rapper wrote “cariño”. The comment has since amassed more than 25,000 likes and 1,500 comments. 

The interaction has also gained traction online as it has become a talking point across Twitter. As fans discuss his comment, others are curious to know the meaning behind the NBA YoungBoy’s Spanish message.

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What does NBA YoungBoy’s ‘cariño’ comment mean?

Cariño is a Spanish saying that can be inferred as both an affectionate term or to express fondness or care for another.

The saying can also be a nickname for friends or loved ones that, in English, can be similar to the use of honey, darling, or sweetheart. 

In fact, when using Instagram’s translation feature on the rapper’s comment, the term is translated as “sweetheart.”

As explained by a Quora user, in its use as a nickname, it can be interpreted differently depending on the context in which it is said. They add that when used for their children, it can mean one thing, while when they say it to their husband, it means another. 

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The duo collaborated last month

At the start of August, NBA YoungBoy dropped his latest album, The Last Slimeto. It featured a total of 30 tracks. 

Among the projects, many tracks were a few collaborations, including one with Kehlani, who featured on NBA YoungBoy’s track My Go To.  

Following the song’s release and the singer’s feature on the album, Kehlani shared their appreciation for the rapper on Instagram.

Alongside a picture of the single playing, in the caption of the post, she wrote: “Proud & Happy for you @NBA_YoungBoy young legend.”

Amber Peake

Amber is a freelance writer on The Focus who mainly covers anything celeb, music, and entertainment related. Having graduated with a BA (Hons) in Journalism from Brunel University in 2020, she has spent the last two years reporting the latest celeb news and pop culture trends across leading and national publishers. Starting her career at Express.co.uk as a showbiz reporter, Amber began contributing on The Focus in 2021. As well as her work on the site, she has also written across other GRV Media publications, including both Reality Titbit and HITC. When she's not scrolling endlessly on TikTok, you'll find Amber wrapped up in yet another DIY crafting project.