Perhaps you’ve heard it in passing or even read it online. Someone angrily saying or calling someone “mayate”. What exactly does that mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The word “Mayate”, when translated literally, is the name of the black beetle often found in the southern United States and Mexico. However, when used as slang, it is a derogatory term used when referring to someone of African descent. It can also be used to describe a masculine homosexual man. The term is always derogatory and is akin to using the slur nigger.
Mayate originates from Mexican slang that has various meanings depending on where you are from. Figeater beetle aside, there is heavy debate as the actual meaning of “mayate” with some saying it is exclusively for referring to black people, or when talking about homosexual men. Regardless, it is a slur that should be used with utmost caution.
When talking about the Figeater Beetle, “mayate” is often used in a lighthearted, childlike, or even scientific way. There is a Mexican tradition where children would catch mayates around Christmas time and keep them as small pets, earning the nickname “Christmas Beetles”.
Example Usage
“I heard that a group of mayate’s have moved into the neighborhood”.
“Lazy mayate. Get a job!”
“Avoid that street because the mayate’s own it. They are dangerous around here”.
“When I was little, I used to catch little mayates with my cousins for Christmas! They are small “and shiny so you can easily spot them”.
“See those mayates on the beach? They’ve been together for years now”.
Origin
It is important to note that “mayate” is originally Mexican slang. If you use the phrase around someone without Mexican heritage or knowledge, you will most likely confuse them. Mayate most likely picked up in use in the 90s and early 2000s with more public acceptance of African-Americans and Homosexuality in general, and the argument for its definition has been around just as long, if not longer.
Mexican-Americans use “mayate” to refer to people of African descent. But in Mexico, it is more commonly used to talk about masculine homosexual men. Knowing the difference is very important!
Phrases Similar to MAYATE
- Joto - Spanish derogatory word for “Homosexual Man”.
- Marco? He doesn’t date girls, he’s a joto.
- Puta - Spanish word for “a prostitute” or “whore”.
- Back in High School, people called Camila a puta but it was all lies.
- Chanate - Another Spanish word with similar meaning as “mayate”, though not as negative.
- Who, Carlos? He’s a chanate but works hard. He is a good guy.
Phrases opposite to MAYATE
- Chico/Chica - Spanish for “boy/girl”.
- Hey, chico! Stay out of trouble!
- Amigo/Amiga - Spanish for “male/female friend”.
- Jesus is my amigo. We do everything together.
What is The Correct Saying?
- Mayate: muh - yah - teh
Ways People May Incorrectly Say MAYATE
Like many phrases, context is very important when using “mayate”. Some people might think that it simply just refers to a black person or gay man in a casual sense. It is important to know that it is actually a racial slur with heavy disdain towards both groups it refers to. Use caution when using this word!
Acceptable Ways to Phrase MAYATE
- If you are talking with Mexican-Americans, “mayate” will more than likely be used to talk about African-Americans.
- If you are in Mexico, “mayate” will refer to a gay man that is usually more masculine.
- You can use “mayate” to talk about the Figeater Beetle as well, but you should emphasize that you are speaking about the insect.
- There are too many mayate moving into our area, our property values will surely go down.
- I don’t understand the purpose of having a cultural day for mayate people, there is no point.