10 Ways To Tell You're Latina

11.21.09

LIFESTYLE

10 Ways To Tell You're Latina

by Mariela Rosario | 05.15.2008 | 3:43pm | 96 Comments

Retna Ltd.

With all the recent frenzy about who is Latina and who isn't (Fergie, J. Alba , etc.) we decided to create the definitive lists of characteristics that can help you determine whether or not you have what it takes to be Latina.

You know you are Latina:

If you can't fight the urge to clap on a plane that has just landed!
If your boyfriend plucks, waxes or in any other way grooms his eyebrows even more than you do, then you are most likely a Latina...dating a Latino!
If even though you're fluent in English, you still refer to going grocery shopping as a compra.
If you have ever committed the cardinal sin and fashion faux pas of wearing socks with sandals!
If something immensely sad or something immensely adorable both elicit the exact same response of "Ay Bendito!".
If your grandmother's chancletas seemed to have some mystical boomerang powers, you know, she threw it at you and somehow it was magically back in her hand before you could even look up from your hiding place, then you are definitely Latina!
If Vick's VaporRub was pronounced Bibaporú and used by everyone in your family to cure anything from burns to acne to La Gripa to infertility.
If you have ever sat down on a couch and then immediately fallen off because of the slippery smooth surface created by the plastic covering the entire living room set...Latina all the way baby!
If you grew up with a mother and/or grandmother who made you eat a ton of their food to prove how much you loved them, and then called you gordita five minutes later while pinching your chichos!
If you are completely fed up with being called, fiery, spicy, caliente or any other adjective that could also describe a chili pepper, you are absolutely, positively, undeniably Latina.

What do you think? Let us know and be sure to share any other surefire sign of Latinidad with us!

96 Comments

LaColochitaRica
01.19.2009
7:42am

Well, i DO NOT AGREE with this list at all. And for starters if you complied this list because everyone's talking about who's Latina, whats considered being Latin, etc, and you want to say what it really means to be Latina, you are just as bad as others out there who hate on us and put us down for NOT being LATIN ENOUGH. This is yet again another "list" of things you need to have or be in order to be Latina!!!???... Except for number 10 which i actually thought was funny (ha ha ha), my family and i do none of these things...yet i am still latina. I think you should stop making "lists" like these, it might offend or hurt people who cannot relate to them.

jenndoe
01.14.2009
12:46am

Along with number 10, please no more of these, "You Know You're Latina If...." lists!

Stardust17
01.12.2009
12:13am

I read through this list and I could identify with a few things on it but not everything I truly believe that this list doesn't reflect all latinos, I think it really outlines puerto ricans like myself and others. I don't like the fact that this article implies that if you can't relate to anything on the list, then your latinidad is comprimised. When people start realizing that besides being latinos were individuals is when people will stop trying to group everyone into one category. Not all latinos are educated and raised the same which is why there are posters here who don't relate to it. My grandmother may she rest in peace, was traditional and did some things on this list she was a very loving person. My grandmother/or mother never hit me with chancleta or any other object. Just because something is done and is accepted culturally doesn't make it the correct thing to do.

terryb1230
06.27.2008
7:13pm

The other comments also refer to our bodies as JLoesque even if you aren't from the Bronx!! Also, if you were sucked into the VH1 reality show looking for the next Telemundo star-LATINA!!!

Carolina146
06.27.2008
2:46pm

Although your comments were super funny, not all latinas are identified by them. At least I am not. The writer should have thought about other nationalities besides "Puerto Rico". In South America, we do not say "Ay Bendito" nor do we wear socks with sandals. But anyhow, maybe next time you can compile a list that includes us all. I still love your MAG! :) Thanks, carolina

Giovanna77
06.24.2008
10:25pm

Let's not forget that our Mami and Abuela think that they know more than the Doctors..."Esos mata sanos!" After I had my baby I kept hearing from them "Bendito nena, give that baby some cereal and baby food que esta flaca y esmaya'...That Doctor doesn't know anything!" This advice was given to me when the baby was just a week old. Also,it is funny that they are so religious but read their horoscope or watch Walter Mercado every day "por curiosidad"...Gotta love our Latina mothers!!!

dalya
06.24.2008
3:12pm

What woman is not a real Latina if you don't wear "una enagua". Chacho debajo de cualquier falda aunque hiciera calor "viejos tiempos". And Latina Puertorrican mom with their "cocotasos" the hit for the day, and been Latina, how many times mami hit you with "the sarten". Im a proud Latina mom, and i always try to used what my mami show me "mis costumbres" to be Latina for always.

Stardust17
02.28.2009
11:09am

I think this comment promotes stereotypes not all puertorican mothers hit their kids with a frying pan or give their kids cocotasos and this is what angers me when ppl try to make it like the entire race does this. As I said many times before just b/c things are culturally accepted doesn't make them the correct thing to do. I don't like lists like this b/c they try to send the message that if you can't relate to anything on it, you're less of a latino/a. For the poster who said only pr's wear socks with sandals just shows your ignorance would you like it if anyone made a similar comment about your race? This magazine has really gotten ridiculous with some of the articles they've published.

Suheil
06.20.2008
11:25am

Freaking HILARIOUS and so true!!!

BronzePatchi
06.13.2008
10:27pm

Hey Miss Mixed, yes, some of these happenings are in some homes, but being Latina is to exude confidence, amor, familia and etc. don't feel "unlatina" now is the time to embrace and start your Latina-ism... remember, being Latina comes from the soul. You are very Latina, we are also very emotional and this definately struck a chord with your "Latina Soul" so be proud and know, we are a strong sisterhood... go out and pass the torch! ... I just did! :)