The Spanish word 'chicha' has multiple distinct origins and meanings. In its most common sense, meaning 'fermented maize drink', it comes from the Cuna (an indigenous language of Panama) word 'chichabh co-pah', literally meaning 'maize drink', where 'chichabh' specifically meant 'maize'.

In a separate development, 'chicha' meaning 'meat' comes from the Italian childish word 'ciccia' meaning 'meat'. A third meaning of 'chicha' referring to 'absolute calm at sea' derives from the French word 'chiche' meaning 'stingy' or 'scarce', likely evolving from the concept of scarcity of wind or movement at sea.

While 'chicha' itself is a relatively simple and common word in Spanish America, particularly in reference to the traditional fermented beverage, there aren't many simpler Spanish words that share its etymology since it comes from indigenous American, Italian, and French sources rather than Latin roots.

There aren't any common English words directly related to 'chicha' since its origins come from Cuna (for the beverage meaning), Italian (for the meat meaning), and French (for the maritime meaning). The word 'chicha' itself has been borrowed into English specifically to refer to the traditional Latin American fermented corn beverage.