Como se llama...

Names are funny things in Latin America. There is the combined apellido, something not practiced in the US, which identifies both the mother’s and the father’s family. Trying to explain that I only have three names is complicated here. If we did do the four name thing I would be Alyse Camille Rothrock Green (or Green Rothrock, regardless I would definitely live up to my herbalist status. Rothrock, by the way has proven to be a very difficult for Nica’s to pronounce). And of course, there is the standard Spanish-ization of our English names. Here Sarah is Sarita. (there is a long termer at the Foundation also named Sarah. Sarah gets to be called Sarita – little Sarah – much to the amusement of both Sarahs). Here I am Alicia. Sung like Aleeee-si-ah.. Alicia Camila Rothrock Green.
Nicknames are more commonly used, and they come out of nowhere. One slip of a word one day and you have accidently dubbed the kid down the street “Pechuga” or chicken breast. Why does it stick? I have no clue. But “Pechuga” is a name now of Angelo. Sorry Angelo. And if the neighborhood kids want to tease you saying you like “Pechuga”, they chant the name “Pechugüita”. Clever.
Clearly many identify with their ethnic roots. Raul, the agronomist at the Foundation is known as the “Cubano”, Michael a long termer here is Miguel on occasion and almost always “El Gringo.” In the barrio Sarah and I are always “Las Gringas”. Sometimes people go by their occupations. “La abogado” or the lawyer, “El doctor”… these are all a few of the multiple names people go by here. It is imperative to pay attention
I have started to collect multiple aliases. Cesar calls me “La Bruja” or the witch. Hola Bruja! Como esta la Bruja? Y la brujeria? Michael/Miguel/El Gringo has started to call me “Weed”. Has Weed seen she has a package? Where is Weed, I need some lemongrass. What’s up WEED?
It is always fun to have nicknames. Until the nicknames get really descriptive, which they often do. Just like one might go as “el Cubano” o “la abogada” people use physical descriptions as well. In the last presidential election one candidate ran as “El Feo.” (the ugly) Everywhere there are signs for “El Feo.” This is not offensive, just a fact. If you are chubby or even a little bit round, you are gorda, or gordita. This is a term of endearment. A compliment. Being calling gorda is not offensive, more like “the little chubby one.” If you have read Sarah’s blog you know about the lucha between our households. Who will fatten up the gringas fastest? As I already had a headstart on Sarah before arriving at the homestay, the real victory is feeding Sarah until she grows her very own panza (belly). Of course, with the size of the meals and our level of inactivity, this is not too far off. And man, is the barrio excited. “Regresara a los Estados Unidos gorda!” “Mira! Las gordas!” “Se van la gorda y la gordita.” Yes, everyone is quick to point out that weight has been gained. Whether it is pure excitement that the Nica food is so excellent, or a sense of accomplishment, or a sign of Sarah and I assimilating into Nica culture, I am not sure. But seriously, being called gorda takes some getting used to. But as long as it is a compliment, I’m good with it. I mean, fresh mangos are seriously dropping from the sky!