Chicana

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person of Mexican descent, particularly a woman, often associated with cultural identity and activism within the context of Chicano rights
2. Referring to a female who identifies with the Chicano movement, emphasizing issues of social justice and empowerment
3. Pertaining to a woman from the Mexican-American community who embraces her heritage and advocates for civil rights and cultural recognition

Etymology: The word's roots lie in the French "chicane," meaning trickery or petty quibbling. In English, "chicane" still describes underhanded tactics, especially in games and legal wrangling. The French word passed into Spanish as "chicana," and English later borrowed that Spanish form directly. The English noun therefore comes from Spanish rather than French. Its modern meaning, a woman of Mexican descent associated with Chicano cultural identity and activism, has nothing to do with the original sense of trickery.

Synonyms: Mexican-American woman, Latina, Chicana activist, Hispanic woman, Chicano