Mordidas

Mordidas is a Spanish term with multiple uses. Literally, it is the plural of mordida, a word that can refer to bites or small nips, as in the bites of animals or people. In everyday language, mordidas can describe the act of biting during eating, sport, or interactions involving sharp objects or teeth.

In slang, mordida or mordidas is commonly used to denote a bribe or kickback. The phrase la mordida is widely understood in many Latin American countries to mean a small payment made to a public official to obtain favorable treatment, speed up procedures, or avoid penalties. The term is often associated with petty corruption and is frequently discussed in media, politics, and discussions of governance and ethics. The exact connotation and usage vary by country, ranging from a neutral description of a bribery practice to a strong negative judgment about corruption.

Etymologically, mordida derives from mordisco, meaning bite, with the figurative extension to a monetary bite or share. The plural form mordidas can thus refer to multiple instances of bribery or, in a different context, to multiple bites.

In contemporary discourse, mordidas are used as an example in discussions of anti-corruption measures, law enforcement ethics, and public accountability. They illustrate how informal payments can influence official actions and public trust in institutions.

See also: bribery, corruption, petty corruption, mordisco.