Pocho

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term referring to a person of Mexican heritage who appears to embrace American cultural influences, potentially at the cost of their ethnic heritage
2. This phrase describes someone of Mexican origin who may seem to prioritize American ways over their own cultural traditions, leading to perceptions of cultural dilution
3. A label assigned to individuals of Mexican descent who are perceived as adapting to American culture, often resulting in the loss of traditional cultural values

Etymology: Among Mexicans, "pocho" was originally a plain description of color: it comes from the Spanish adjective meaning "discolored" or "faded," the way a fabric or fruit loses its vividness. That literal sense is the starting point for the word's later and far more charged use. Mexican Spanish applied the term to people, especially those from Mexico who had grown up or lived largely in the United States and who had taken on American ways, sometimes at the cost of their Mexican language and customs. The metaphor is one of washing out: the original hue has faded and something paler, less authentic, has replaced it. Over time the word was taken up by Mexican Americans themselves, so it now names a cultural identity in the United States as well as a label that is still used by some as a mild insult.

Synonyms: immigrant, expat, foreigner