FRESA

In Mexico and some Central American 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.

Contents

Sociolinguistic use

Fictional ''fresas''

External links

References

See also

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''" (well-to-do kids) or "''gente bien''" (well-to-do people). The ''fresa'' accent is also different from the typical Mexican accent, with a different tone and vocabulary.
Kids, teenagers or even young adults are known to use stereotypically "fresa" behavior as a way of giving a false impression of their social status.

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 children 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]

External links

★ Mi familia méxicana / My Mexican family Valentina Cardenas — Cardenas discusses being labeled as a "fresa" by Mexicans and as a Valley girl by Angelinos

★ "Fresa" — Definition of "Fresa" at Urban Dictionary

References

1. Jóvenes: fresas, revolucionarios, bacanaleras y hippies
2. Bailo tango, masco chicle
3. Gana popularidad Paola Núñez con su papel en "Amor en Custodia"
4. Acaparan la atención, son la pareja del momento
5. Paola Nuñez

See also

★ Naco (slang)