Pochanos (fem. ''pochanas'') are former

Mexican Mexican may refer to: Mexico and its culture *Being related to, from, or connected to the country of Mexico, in North America ** People *** Mexicans, inhabitants of the country Mexico and their descendants *** Mexica, ancient indigenous people ...

citizens that are both

Pocho ''Pocho'' (feminine: ''pocha'') is slang in Spanish used in Mexico to refer to Mexican Americans and Mexican emigrants. It is often used pejoratively to describe a Mexican expatriate or a person of Mexican ancestry who lacks fluency or the ab ...

s and

Chicanos Chicano or Chicana is a chosen identity for many Mexican Americans in the United States. The label ''Chicano'' is sometimes used interchangeably with ''Mexican American'', although the terms have different meanings. While Mexican-American ident ...

at the same time. Chicano (fem. ''chicana''), originally a term used by native-born Mexicans to describe persons of low class, low education and low morals. The pejorative term has been taken on in the

United States of America The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territo ...

as unifying term for Mexican people that have emigrated to the US and seeking to solidify their identity in a foreign land. Perhaps because they have not been able to assimilate they have sought to create their own unifying identity. Likewise, Pocho (fem. ''pocha'') is a term used by native-born Mexicans to describe Chicanos who are perceived to have forgotten or rejected their Mexican heritage to some degree. Typically, pochos speak English and lack fluency in Spanish. Among some pochos, the concept has been embraced to express pride in having both a Mexican and an American heritage, asserting their place in the diverse American culture. The word derives from the Spanish word ''pocho'', meaning fruit that has become rotten or discolored.

References

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External links

Definition of pocho
Chicano Latin American culture Hispanic and Latino American culture Mexican-American culture