naco
adj.— «In Mexico City, where I grew up, “naco” is not just racist, it’s classist and a pretty offensive term. Basically, anybody who is dark-skinned and/or poor may be termed a “naco.” I’ve even heard people refer to things as “nacadas” (i.e., someone who acts rudely does a “nacada,” or something that looks tacky is a “nacada”). It’s amazing the number of people I’ve heard use it in front of me when referring to someone else, but not dare use it to the person to whom they were referring. (It’s considered that offensive!)» —“Cholo Word Of The Day—Naco” by Becky Daily Texican (Dallas, Texas) Nov. 23, 2004. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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Chris in San Antonio, Texas, a professional musician, asks where the word gig comes from. While gig is now the standard term for a musical engagement and has broadened to any short-term job, its early origins are murky. It may be related to the term...