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Wetback: meaning, definitions and examples

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wetback

 

[ ˈwɛtbæk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

derogatory term

The term 'wetback' is a derogatory slang term used in the United States to refer to Mexican immigrants, particularly those who have entered the country illegally by crossing the Rio Grande River. The term is considered offensive and racist, and its usage can perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Mexican people. It originated in the mid-20th century when the U.S. saw an influx of Mexican laborers. The use of this pejorative reflects a historical context of discrimination and the socio-political struggles of the immigrant community.

Synonyms

illegal immigrant, migrant worker, undocumented worker

Examples of usage

  • 'Wetback' is often used in discussions about immigration policies.
  • Many activists oppose the use of the term 'wetback' as it is dehumanizing.
  • The term has frequently appeared in xenophobic rhetoric.

Translations

Translations of the word "wetback" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imigrante indocumentado

🇮🇳 गैरकानूनी आव्रजन

🇩🇪 illegale Einwanderer

🇮🇩 imigran ilegal

🇺🇦 нелегальний іммігрант

🇵🇱 nielegalny imigrant

🇯🇵 不法移民

🇫🇷 immigrant clandestin

🇪🇸 inmigrante indocumentado

🇹🇷 belgesiz göçmen

🇰🇷 불법 이민자

🇸🇦 مهاجر غير قانوني

🇨🇿 nelegální imigrant

🇸🇰 nelegálny imigrant

🇨🇳 非法移民

🇸🇮 nelegalni priseljenec

🇮🇸 ólöglegur innflytjandi

🇰🇿 заңсыз иммигрант

🇬🇪 არალეგალური მიგრანტი

🇦🇿 qanunsuz miqrant

🇲🇽 inmigrante indocumentado

Etymology

The term 'wetback' has its origins in the early 20th century, primarily stemming from the mass migration of Mexicans to the United States for labor purposes, especially during the Bracero Program, which was established during World War II. It specifically referred to the method of entry across the Rio Grande River, where many undocumented immigrants would arrive with wet backs after swimming across. The usage of 'wetback' became prevalent in American English as a derogatory term, particularly during periods of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment in the 1950s and 1980s. The term is intertwined with the political and social discourse surrounding immigration in the U.S. and has faced significant backlash for its racist connotations. In contemporary discussions, many organizations and advocates discourage its use due to its pejorative nature and the negative stereotypes it reinforces.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,545, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.