Jirafales was an iconic fictional character from the legendary Mexican television comedy series El Chavo del Ocho, played by the towering Mexican actor and comedian Rubén Aguirre. Character OverviewThe Teacher: He is the primary school teacher for the children living in the vecindad (neighborhood). His last name is a playful pun on jirafa (giraffe), referencing his very tall 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) frame. Romance with Doña Florinda: He is famously and deeply in love with Doña Florinda, one of the neighborhood residents. Their interactions always involve formal courtesy, flowers, and being invited in for a cup of "coffee." Famous Catchphrases: He is best remembered for his exasperated yelling of "¡Ta, ta, ta, ta!" when his mischievous students (like Chavo, Quico, and La Chilindrina) pushed him to his absolute limit.