Pocho

Pocho (feminine: pocha) is a term used by Mexicans (frequently pejoratively) to describe Chicanos and those who have left Mexico. Typically, pochos speak English and lack fluency in Spanish. Among some pochos, the term has been embraced to express pride in having both a Mexican and an American heritage[1] asserting their place in the diverse American culture. The word derives from the Spanish word, pocho, used to describe fruit that has become rotten or discolored.

History

Pochos are usually identified by their use of poorly-spoken Spanish. Code switching and the use of loanwords is common as is the use of phrases popular in American culture translated to Spanish, sometimes literally. Code switching often involves inserting English preposition or objective nouns, such as, "Voy a ir shopping ahora en el supermarket" (I am going shopping now at the supermarket). Modified loanwords are referred to as "pochismos." Examples include mopear for trapear (to mop), parquear for estacionar (to park), or chequear for mirar or verificar (to check, to inspect or to verify). A clear example of a popular American phrase that has been adopted by people familiar with both cultures would be Clint Eastwood's famous quote "Make my day", which has been increasingly used in Spanish as "Hacer mi día."

By contrast, in Ciudad Juárez, the moniker is very much a term of abuse, referring in particular to (what residents of Cd. Juárez see as) "uncultured" Mexican-Americans living across the border in El Paso, but it is certainly not universal.

In general, the word "pocho" can sometimes have these different meanings:

See also

References

  1. ↑ Handbook of Hispanic Cultures in the United States: Anthropology, Volume 4 By Nicolás Kanellos, Thomas Weaver, Claudio Esteva Fábregat (1994) pg.182
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