AMLO-ismos

Mexico City (AFP) – President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is reshaping the language of politics in Mexico with his colorful, folksy take on Spanish. Here is a glossary of key terms to understand the man known as “AMLO” and his opponents.

– AMLO –

Short for Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, from his initials; used by both detractors and followers. See also: Peje.

– Camajan –

Used of a lazy person who finds creative ways to live off the efforts of others; frequently applied by Lopez Obrador to opposition politicians or business executives. Cuban in origin.

– Chairo –

A Lopez Obrador supporter; used by detractors.

– Cuarta Transformacion (Fourth Transformation) –

Lopez Obrador calls his government the “Fourth Transformation” of Mexico, putting his presidency on a par with what he considers the three other moments that changed the country’s history:

1) The war for independence from Spain (1810-1821).

2) The Reform (mid-19th century), a liberal overhaul of the country’s institutions.

3) The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), which overthrew dictator Porfirio Diaz.

– Fifi –

An adjective to describe a wealthy, snobbish person. Last in widespread use during the Mexican Revolution, Lopez Obrador has revived the word as an insult for opponents.

– Machuchon –

Overly luxurious, swanky or expensive.

– Mananera –

Lopez Obrador’s morning news conference, held every weekday at 7:00 am; from a word meaning “morning sex.”

– Me canso ganso –

A comical rhyme popularized by a 1940s film, this roughly translates as: “Or I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.” Lopez Obrador frequently follows up his promises with this phrase.

– Moche –

A kick-back payment or bribe.

– Peje –

A nickname for Lopez Obrador; from “pez lagarto” or “pejelagarto,” a freshwater fish widespread in his home state, Tabasco. See also: AMLO.

– Pejezombie –

Someone who mindlessly follows Lopez Obrador; used by opponents.

– Pirruri –

Used by Lopez Obrador to describe an ignorant wealthy person; coined from the name of a 1970s television character played by comedian Luis de Alba.

– Senoritingo –

A pejorative version of the diminutive “senorito,” or “little mister;” used by Lopez Obrador to refer to opponents he perceives as aristocrats.