Fresa
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In Mexico and other Central America countries, fresa (which is Spanish for strawberry) is a slang term for a cultural stereotype of superficiality in youngsters.
The term fresa (then often likened to the "preppy" stereotype), was born in the 60's to define teenagers with a conservative mentality, who didn't drink and enjoyed being from traditional families. During the 80's the meaning changed and became a term to describe the lifestyles of the young and rich.
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[edit] Sociolinguistic use
Initially, only those with typically Spanish or European looks and belonging to the middle or upper classes could be called "fresa." However, despite popular belief, a fresa can be working class or even poor- it's how they talk and act that earns them the "fresa" label[1]. The term has been made popular in other Latin American countries due to international popularity of TV shows with fresa characters.
Fresa is sometimes considered the stereotypical opposite of naco, however it is not always a derogatory word. Traditionally, teens who attend expensive schools or have wealthy parents (and are more likely to be fresas) are called "niños bien" (nice kids) or "gente bien" (good people). The fresa accent is also different than the typical Mexican accent, with a different tone and vocabulary, it also incorporates many English words.[citation needed]
There are certain kids, teenagers or even young adults who use stereotypically "Fresa" behavior as a way of giving a false impression of their social status.
[edit] Fictional fresas
- A well-known "fresa" is the fictional persona El Pirruris, created by comedian Luis de Alba, a parody of the real-life so-called juniors, the young and presumptuous son's of Mexican politicians and entrepreneurs.[2]
- This stereotype still exists as of 2006, with fictional "fresa" characters as Mia Colucci from the telenovela Rebelde or "Barbie" in the popular Mexican soap opera Amor en Custodia.[3] Actress Paola Nuñez who plays Barbie and describes the character as a "niña fresa"[4] states that she based the character, who is an arrogant, vain, and superficial young woman, on her observations of many "chicas fresas".[5]
Another fictional fresa is Angelica Silva who attends Roosevel High School.
[edit] External links
- Valentina Cardenas (2006-07-13). Mi familia méxicana / My Mexican family. LA Youth. — Cardenas discusses being labeled as a "fresa" by Mexicans and as a Valley girl by Angelinos
- "Fresa". — Definition of "Fresa" at Urban Dictionary
[edit] References
- ^ Jóvenes: fresas, revolucionarios, bacanaleras y hippies.
- ^ Bailo tango, masco chicle (Spanish). Estereotipos Mexicano Cine Ochenta.
- ^ "Gana popularidad Paola Núñez con su papel en "Amor en Custodia"", Vanguardia, 2005-12-10. (in Spanish)
- ^ Elizabeth Hernández. "Acaparan la atención, son la pareja del momento", El Universal, 2005-12-28. (in Spanish)
- ^ Paola Nuñez (Spanish). La Concentración.
