Gordito and Negrito, Pure Cariño!

Calling someone fat or black can be regarded as racist in many countries. In fact you might end up in some horrible places if not situations. For many countries, being politically correct, is paramount, in fact breaking the norms is punishable even by laws.

But in Venezuela it is completely different. Being called "Negro" or "Gordo" is not harmful. In fact I am called Negrito on a daily basis and that is pretty okay. A friend of mine is called Gordito and that is pretty okay too. And if you happen to possess a pretty light skin you will get a chance to be called "Catira/e".

In Venezuela these expressions are used out of pure love and cariño. It is fun, normal and never taken in a discriminatory way.

Venezuela, owing to how mixed the society is, some of the kids will be lighter than others. Those who are lighter might be called "Catires" and those who are darker "Negritos". In fact even the formation of the word itself, Negrito, is interesting to analyze. The main word is Negro which means black. But in Spanish we add the diminutive "ta" or "to" in order to convey a state which is cute and pleasing. 

But even the word "Gordo" itself will be interpreted in a very positive way to both the giver and recipient. 

So don't be shocked if you hear or called in this way when in Venezuela. It is pure love and full of cariño.