pocho

The term "pocho" is a pejorative slang term used in Mexico and by some Mexican Americans to refer to a Mexican American who is perceived as having lost touch with Mexican culture, especially if they speak English primarily and have adopted American customs. The term is often considered offensive and is associated with a sense of betrayal or assimilation that is seen as negative by some within the Mexican community.

The origin of the word is not definitively known, but several theories exist. Some suggest it derives from the English word "poor," while others link it to the Spanish word "puro" meaning "pure," implying that a pocho is not "pure" Mexican. Another theory proposes it's related to the Spanish word "pochote," a type of tree with a soft trunk, metaphorically suggesting a lack of inner strength or Mexican identity.

The concept of "pocho" reflects anxieties about cultural assimilation and the preservation of Mexican identity in the face of American influence. It highlights the complex and often debated relationship between the Mexican diaspora and their ancestral culture. The term can also be used ironically or humorously by some Mexican Americans themselves, reclaiming it as a descriptor of their bicultural experience. However, its primary usage remains critical and carries a negative connotation.