That's My Story

BY ANY OTHER NAME – published June 2006 – Western Outdoor News

As I’ve often written about in this column, some pretty interesting things come out when a bunch of guys get together after fishing.

Probably more brain power and profound thinking emerges over beer, nachos and salsa than during all those hours spent behind a desk back home when you’re getting paid to think! (Maybe if bosses just supplied every cubicle with beer and happy hour we might be onto something!) You have to be careful what you say in front of me because I have to come up with 52 of these columns a year and I’ve always got my ears open!

Anyway, during one recent sit-down where we were also joined by some of our captains and local friends, we were enlightened about the genesis of the word “gringo” oft applied to tourists, fishermen and basically any non-local.

Story one is the best one. Just prior to World War I when the U.S. sent cavalry troops into Mexico under General Black Jack Pershing to chase down Pancho Villa who had made his own incursions across the U.S. border. But he had a problem. Pancho was the Mexican Robin Hood down here so most of the locals were understandably not real sympathetic to helping General Jack locate Pancho and the boys. “No Senor. We haven’t seen him for many many days, but if you ride over those hills you will surely find him! ” (wink-wink and fingers crossed behind backs).

In those days, men-at-arms often sang marching tunes like “Battle Hymn of the Republic” (Glory Glory Hallelujah); “Johnny Comes Marching Home Again” and other popular war tunes. One of the most popular tunes among the cavalry of that era was, “Green Grow the Hills.” Across the deserts and hills of Mexico, that singing could be heard from a long way off. Nothing like surprising your enemy by singing out loud! That will get them everytime. (Imagine our own troops in the Middle East singing “Highway to Hell” from AC/DC as they patrol Baghdad.)

Well, “Green Grows” became “Gringos” as a way for Mexican partisans to alert their compadres, “Los Gringos vienen!” (The Gringos are coming!) And a new bit of slang entered the lexicon.

Story two…American service men wore “green coats.” Hence “gringos.”

Story three…It’s a bastardization from the Greek word, “griego” which means “stranger.” I have no idea how the Greeks got into this mix, but someone threw that into the discussion about 4 beers into the debate. It was toasted and approved for consideration.

Personally, the one I hear the most lately is “huero.” (“Huera” if you’re a woman.”) It means “blondie.” Don’t be offended if you’re called that. It’s not derogatory. It’s merely a statement of observation that many Americans are light haired. Believe me…it beats what they call me…”chaparito.” (Shorty). In fact, it means “very short.” I’d rather be a taller blonde. Or Greek!

HEADS UP – The Mexican Presidential election comes up July 2nd here in Mexico. President Fox only gets one term of 6 years then has to step down. Certainly that’s important on many levels. Howver, moreso than who’s going to be the next Mexican President, most travelers will be concerned that ‘THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF LIQUOR IS PROHIBITED ON ELECTION DAY!” That’s right. No margartitas or pina coladas at the bar. You cannot buy a case of cerveza at the store or market nor can anyone sell it to you and armed guards will often be seen at many of the more popular places. The prohibition of alcohol on election day seems about as practical as a one-legged-man at a butt kicking contest, but be warned anyway. Stock up AHEAD of time!

That’s my story. If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is riplipboy@aol.com.