Have you seen the phrase 'Mexican shower' somewhere and would like to know more behind the meaning, context, and possible insulting implications of the phrase? The saying 'Mexican shower' is a common joking phrase, though it can also be called anything from a 'French' to 'Spanish' to 'Italian shower' too. This post unpacks its meaning and origin.
Meaning
The phrase 'Mexican shower' is a common joking phrase that is used to imply someone has used a large amount of deodorant while they are in a hurry (and usually on the way to do something important).
While the phrase appears to have racial implications, it is almost never meant as a racial phrase when it is said.
When someone takes a 'Mexican shower' it is usually said that they are in a hurry to do something, and thus took a shortcut to prepare for it quicker.
The saying 'Mexican shower' is a common joking phrase, though it can also be called anything from a 'French' to 'Spanish' to 'Italian shower' too.
Generally, the phrase varies from one area to another – and is different from one group of people to the next, with particular variations in country.
Almost any nationality is substituted for the original, and the phrase is generally still used in the same way.
Sometimes the phrase is used as a joking self-reference by the speaker, and it is most often used as a stab at one's own heritage rather than an insult at someone else's.
The phrase's implications are the same regardless of what is used.
Example Usage
“I was out to the club so late last night that I just took a Swedish shower before I went to work this morning. I hope nobody in the office noticed, because the boss only went home from the party at three.”
“I had to take a Mexican shower last night I was in such a hurry. Can you believe that I had to get home this fast just to find out someone ordered a pizza with pineapple for dinner?”
“Dude, just take an Italian shower before you go out on a date. It seems to have worked fine for our forefathers, you're going to be just fine. They didn't even have Tinder in those days.”
“You should make sure to take a Spanish shower after you've changed your shirt. You'll be fresh as a motherfucking Daisy for work tomorrow.”
Origin
The phrase 'Mexican shower' is a saying that is likely to have originated as a joking stab amongst friends or comrades, and although most language resources don't list the origin of the phrase it can be assumed that it might have been a military phrase.
The phrase '[nationality] shower' does not focus on the ethnicity, but rather the routine of quick preparation chosen over the longer process of a shower – which would only be apparent or important in fast-moving environments like the military or police.
Someone who takes a '[nationality] shower' is simply assumed to be in a hurry, and the implication of the phrase is usually self-referencing, and sarcastic or humorous.
While the exact period of origin is difficult to find, the phrase was already in common use by the 1900s.
The phrase is recorded in Urban Dictionary from 2006, even though much earlier use of the phrase is apparent.
Phrases Similar to Mexican Shower
- [Nationality] shower
Phrases Opposite to Mexican Shower
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Mexican shower
Ways People May Say Mexican Shower Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone can use the phrase 'Mexican shower' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the meaning of the saying when it is used.
When someone says the phrase 'Mexican shower' it can be confused as a racial reference, when it actually references preparation speed – and the racial element is irrelevant to the expression, but most often a self-reference.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Mexican Shower
Someone can use the phrase 'Mexican shower' to describe the act of foregoing a shower for a quicker preparation routine. The phrase implies that someone is in a hurry, and that they did not necessarily have time to prepare.
Any ethnic group, often self-referencing to the speaker, can be substituted in place of 'Mexican' as this element is often irrelevant to the expression.