Language re-appropriation helps define Mexican Millennials

From social revolution to economic endeavors, Generation Y is proving to be a global force to be reckoned with when it comes to innovation. Gen Yers in Mexico are no exception. A Los Angeles Times article reports that many younger Mexicans are using their creative juices to re-imagine the Spanish language and its use in everyday life.

The creation of terms and innovative re-appropriation of words is nothing new. However, access to social media, an increase in rapid communication, and changing social mores have all worked in tandem to impact the tone and meaning of Spanish terms in Mexico. As Generation Y continues to emerge as a influencer in society, colloquialisms—many of which find their origins in that generation—have been thrust into the mainstream. Similar to how some in the Black community have re-appropriated the n-word as a term of endearment, Mexican Millenials have taking to using “guey,” which means “ox” or “slow-witted” and is generally considered an insult, as the Mexican version of “dude” or “bro.” Additionally, words such as “padre” (“father”) and “lana” (“wool”) have taken on new meanings and frequently punctuate Spanish sentences in ways that they have not before.

But not unlike the Black community, in which there has been a movement toward policing the re-appropriation of pejorative terms, leaders and older Mexicans have expressed concern over the often-vulgar tone of these new words and re-appropriations. “There’s a laxity of language that I would say is almost offensive. We’ve gone too far to the other side,” commentator Guadalupe Loaeza says. Pushing for more appropriate words and phrases, Spanish speakers such as Loaeza find the looser language to undermine standards of decency.

In the end, however, new words and re-appropriations represent the strength and innovation of Generation Y in Mexico. While it may not jive well with some, it is certainly a sign of the times.

Source: Diversity Best Practices, Michael Collins, February 15, 2011, and Los Angeles Times, “Mexican Slang is Creative and, for Some, Too Coarse for Comfort,” by Ken Ellingwood, February 14, 2011.