Comments on: Ask an Expert::Will my daughter be hurt by “negative” Spanish terms of endearment?

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By: Carrie_in_TN

Carrie_in_TN — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:52:20 +0000

Hey, Carrie from Los Pollitos here…Thanks for buying a Gordita tee and supporting Los Pollitos Dicen!

We thought a lot about offering a “gordita” and “gordito” design, but went for it because it is such a popular cultural term of endearment and one that rarely really reflects on whether a child is fat/overweight. (FYI, the gordito sells more than the gordita, so I think parents are thinking about this issue.)

I stopped calling my own Chuck of Love “gordita” when she was a toddler for all the reasons stated above…but she always will be my gordita.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:40:36 +0000

Absolutely true! My niece is about 18 months old and she is an adorably chunky baby. We’ve called her “la gordita” since birth because she’s always had really nice chunky cheeks. Now we’re realizing that we don’t want the name to stick so we’re coming up with new nicknames to replace the other one. Great post!

By: Silvia

Silvia — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:02:29 +0000

I lived in Mexico for over 20 years and I as a child had a nickname too. Now I can see how this term has influenced my life, and not always for the better. I'm still trying to shake away the concept my mind form in my head about myself. I know that a lot of people think that is nothing wrong with them, but I wouldn't like my children feel the way I feel. .-= Silvia´s last blog ..Etapas del entrenamiento para el baño/Potty Training Stages =-.

By: AnaGloria Rodriguez

AnaGloria Rodriguez — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:54:26 +0000

Interesting post and I agree with the expert on her response to talk it over with the suegros. Personally, even though I grew up in Mexico until I was seven, I find these “terms of endearments” offensive. I think terms of endearment should be kinder and sweeter. I also think it’s one thing to be called “gorda” in Mexico, maybe, but here in the US where little girls as young as 4 have eating disorders it is completely irresponsible.
Still, I understand that in Latin countries it is “very common for nicknames to be based on physical qualities”–I mean I have a cousin known as Pietro and one as La Negra. But I still think it’s mean and unimaginative.
Again, personally, I don’t like those nicknames and you won’t find me using them.

By: Maria Lopez Davis

Maria Lopez Davis — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:59:51 +0000

It’s hard to fully explain or understand another’s culture. I am from a Cuban family and teasing is just normal and we don’t take offense to it. I regularly call my 6 month old baby “Gorda” or “Gordita” because she is a big beautiful chunky baby. As a matter of fact, I bought the onesie from “Los Pollitos” because of it and I adore it! My inlaws find this a bit strange and maybe mean, but it seems perfectly normal to me. This type of teasing is not mean or said with any malice. It is very common for nicknames to be based on physical qualities.

By: CancunCanuck

CancunCanuck — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:32:42 +0000

This is a point of contention in our house as well, not just for how my husband speaks to our son ("cerdo" when he makes a mess, etc, etc), but in how he speaks to me. While I understand that it is a cultural thing, it doesn't make it any easier to be called "gorda, fea, caro de sapo" etc, etc. or to hear him use the same with our son. We've talked a lot about this, but it appears that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. He may use these "endearments" less frequently now, but he just can't seem to stop himself completely. Thanks for another thought provoking post. .-= CancunCanuck´s last blog ..What I Did on my Summer Vacation =-.