From El Paso Strong to 'ay ay:' How to speak like a local in the Borderland
If you're new to El Paso, you'll probably notice a few things — it's mostly sunny, friendly people, and the Mexican food is excellent.
Once you've been here for a while, you may notice that people speak English and Spanish, because most have a Mexican ethnicity.
And sometimes, when you grow up on the border, you speak a little bit of both in the same sentence. El Pasoans may also refer to certain iconic places with just one word.
So here's a little guide for newbies on some El Paso lingo. And here's your first one, de nada (you're welcome!)
Ascarate
There could be several reasons you're going to Ascarate. Ascarate Park is in Central El Paso and the largest public-use recreational park with 400 acres with a 48-acre surface lake. You can go on your own for family activities like picnicking, walking, playing in the playgrounds, watching the ducks, and renting boats and canoes.
It also is a venue where events are hosted throughout the year by the county. On weekends, entrance is $2 per car.
Ay, ay
If you learn nothing else, remember this one. It's short and fun to say. Pronounced: eye, eye. It's also versatile. Is someone bragging? Use it to shut them up. If someone says something you can't believe, use it again to scrutinize it.
Example: Your cousin says he got accepted into one of the top universities for engineering. Your eloquent response: ay, ay.
Cattleman's
If you hear this word, know that people are talking about a must-go-to place for steaks. The Cattleman's Steakhouse in Fabens is widely known as a place to take visitors as well as a fun place to spend a Saturday or Sunday.
Chico's
Speaking of Chico's, you will learn quickly that this is the short way to say the local franchise of Chico's Tacos. Love them or hate them, Chico's are both the place and the actual rolled tacos. The tacos come in a tomato-based sauce and topped with cheddar cheese.
Example: We're going to Chico's after the quince.
Chihuahuas
Most of the time, you would think we're talking about the tiny, yappy dogs. But around these parts, we might just be talking about the Triple A baseball team, the El Paso Chihuahuas.
El Chuco
Not to be confused with Chico's, El Chuco is a nickname for El Paso. The term comes from the word “pachuco,” a Mexican Spanish Caló dialect of disputed origin, dating from the 1930s-1940s. Another variation may be Chuco Town.
Example: Soy de El Chuco! (I'm from El Paso.)
Coliseum
This isn't the Roman amphitheater but the El Paso County Coliseum. It's the place to catch your Disney on Ice shows, rodeo tours, rap shows, and other concerts.
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El Paso Strong
After the 2019 Walmart shooting, El Pasoans came together in the community to mourn for the killed, provide support to their families and demonstrate their unity at one of the most heinous acts to come to our city. From there, many begin adopting an El Paso Strong sentiment that stills holds true today.
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Hay voy
More than newcomers using it, this is a phrase you might hear when El Pasoans want to tell you that they are on their way. But most likely, it's a statement used to make you feel better because they are running late and still haven't left the house.
Mi casa es su casa
If anybody says this to you, you are friends for life. The phrase means my house is your house, which means you don't need an invitation or an RSVP to drop by.
Órale
Slang in Spanish that may have come from the Spanish word ahora, which means 'now.' Depending on how it's said, órale is generally used to express surprise or affirmation to something being told.
Example: We're all going to Chico's. Response: órale.
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Quince
Short for quinceañera, the coming of age celebration for young Hispanic girls. Quince means 15 and is pronounced keen-se. Not to be confused with the pome fruit, known as membrillo.
Example: My quince will be small because of the pandemic, only about 200 people.
Quiovole
This is a quick way to say what's up and greet your peers; well, quick if you can say it. Used more by men.
Rosa's Cantina
It's one of the iconic restaurants of El Paso, an old rock building that sits right off Doniphan Drive on the West Side. It's a great place to order some tacos and a cold beer. Part of its fame is that it's immortalized in the Marty Robbins song, "El Paso."
The Star
One of the most beautiful icons in El Paso is the Star on the Mountain. It stretches 459 feet in length, 278 feet in width and uses 459 light bulbs. It was a tradition to light it at Christmas time. In 1980 the Star remained lit for 444 days (until Jan. 21, 1981) during the Iran hostage crisis. In 1990, during the Gulf War, the Star once again remained lit (until Aug. 21, 1991) in support of Fort Bliss and all US troops stationed with Operation Desert Storm.
Today it shines every night. People can pay $50 per night to have the star lit in someone's name.
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @EPTMaria on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: New to El Paso? How to decode Borderland slang like a local
