ocúpalo

Ocúpalo is a Spanish imperative phrase meaning “occupy it,” formed from the verb ocupar with a second-person direct object pronoun attached. Used as a slogan or chant, ocúpalo functions as a call to collective action, encouraging participants to occupy a space, building, resource, or area as a form of protest or direct action.

In practice, ocúpalo appears on signs, banners, social media posts, and chants during demonstrations. It is commonly associated with social movements that emphasize housing rights, anti-eviction campaigns, labor actions, or protests aimed at highlighting inequality and power dynamics. The phrase is often paired with additional cues to stress immediacy, such as ya (“now”) or specific targets like el edificio (the building).

Linguistically, ocúpalo reflects the use of the tú-form imperative with a clitic pronoun attached, and it can appear in various permutations depending on context, such as ocúpalo ya or similar constructions. The expression serves as a flexible rallying cry across different movements and locales, adapting to target spaces ranging from vacant properties to public squares.

Reception and context vary. Supporters view occupation as a tactic to draw attention to urgent social issues, demonstrate solidarity, and create practical alternatives when formal channels fail. Critics argue that occupation can infringe on property rights and lead to legal conflicts or confrontation. The phrase remains a recognizable example of direct-action rhetoric in Spanish-language protests.

See also: Occupy movement, protest slogans, direct action.