chuck·wal·la \ˈchəkˌwälə\noun orchuck·a·wal·la\ˈchəkə-\ (-s) Etymology: modification of Mexican Spanish chacahuala, from Cahuilla tcáxxwal : a large harmless herbivorous iguanid lizard (Sauromalus ater) of the desert regions of the southwestern United States sometimes eaten by the Indians