Viveza criolla

Viveza criolla is a Spanish language phrase literally meaning "native cunning"^[1] describing a way of life in Argentina and Uruguay.^[2] It is a philosophy of progress along the line of least resistance and ignoring rules, a lack of sense of responsibility and consideration for others, and it extends to all social groups and throughout the whole country, although it predominates in Buenos Aires.^[3] Viveza criolla has been called "the principal cause of a moral, cultural, economic, social and political crisis".^[3] It is a similar concept to jeitinho brasileiro in Brazil.

Characteristics

Viveza criolla includes:

• lack of respect for others and indifference to the common good in a framework of individual interests.^[3]
• political corruption, which extends in all institutions, in the form of perks, direct appropriation of public funds, favoritism, nepotism, misallocation of state resources, etc.^[3]
• extreme individualism, with mistrust of others and little ability to partner and cooperate in community goals.^[3] (Interpersonal trust is a key component of social capital, which is crucial for economic development and proper functioning of democratic institutions.)^[3]
• Anomie or weakening of the common morality, and social deviance as behavior that departs from generally accepted standards in society.^[3]
• The habit of blaming problems on others, thereby encouraging paranoia and granting a permit to self-indulgence.^[3]

Phrases

• Hecha la ley, hecha la trampa. -- "Made the law, made a loophole."
• Total, si no robo yo, robará otro. -- "In the end, if I do not steal, another will steal."
• El vivo vive del zonzo y el zonzo de su trabajo -- "the smart guy lives off the sucker, and the sucker lives off his job"

Examples

The Hand of God goal by Diego Maradona was an example of viveza criolla

• Hand of God goal

See also

• List of English words of Spanish origin
• Street smarts
• Jeitinho
• Argentine politics
• Argentine economic crisis (1999–2002)
• Gérson's law
• Malandragem

References