10 Ways To Tell You're Latina

Have you ever wondered what it is exactly that defines us? Here, we give you 10 fool proof ways to tell if you're Latina!

Retna Ltd.

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 "Hay 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!

- Mariela Rosario

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'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!!!' terryb1230, June 27, 2008 - 7:13pm

'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' Carolina146, June 27, 2008 - 2:46pm

'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!!!' Giovanna77, June 24, 2008 - 10:25pm

'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.' dalya, June 24, 2008 - 3:12pm

'Freaking HILARIOUS and so true!!!' Suheil, June 20, 2008 - 11:25am

'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! :)' BronzePatchi, June 13, 2008 - 10:27pm

'Loved this and had me LOL! These are my favorite... If your mother doesn't hear from you, she's wondering what happened to you and ask mija what's wrong(after several vm's) are you mad at me? You know your Latina when all your Birthday's are celebrated at the same time that your cousins, aunt and abuela's when they fall on the same month... and they go on and on... oh, and who could forget, hey what Latina RSVP's once invited you and anyone who you told will be there! We know how to party and when we do... it literally becomes a global affair! :) mil gracias... know you are (proud) Latina's ' BronzePatchi, June 13, 2008 - 10:16pm

'omg...aside from the man who plucks more than you, those have been some of my experiences...is the writer a Puerto Rican from NYC?....gotta be...from the clapping on the plane to the chancleta scenario and the "ay bendito"...novelas....lol..did anyone ever refer to Vick's as el Bix?...."buscame el Bix" was said alot around my house back in the day when someone was sick...what memories....too funny....thanks ' mgsat118, June 13, 2008 - 8:40pm

'I CHECKED EVERYTHING OFF THE LIST IT WAS HILARIOUS AND FYI: (PER MY MOM) PEOPLE FROM MEXICO PRONOUNCE THINGS WITH E IN FRONT ESTUPID,ESPRITE LOL YA'LL DID FORGET TO PUT ON THERE THAT LATINAS DO NOT BELIEVE IN STORE BOUGHT TORTILLAS THEY ARE MADE FROM SCRATCH DAILY--- AT LEAST AM MY ABUELAS :)' LATINQUEEN, June 11, 2008 - 11:06pm

'One other thing that should of been included on this list, is wearing a faja. No matter how thin a women could be,it never fails for a family member or friend to recommend purchasing a faja. It could be categorized as a necessity to several latin women who cant imagine going outside without wearing one. ' rocko458, June 9, 2008 - 12:32am

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