Two weeks ago, I was eating dinner with a group of neighborhood friends. One of my friends is Dominican and he was talking about the color issues amongst us.
We spoke for a bit and it was an interesting conversation. But he used one word that has puzzled me forever: ‘Cocolo.’
He said: ‘I’m a Cocolo.’
I didn’t really know how to react to it because he embraced the word and saw no issue with it. Plus, it was the first time I heard someone of my complexion call himself that (he’s actually a few shades lighter).
Throughout life, friends, family members and my own ears told me that word is offensive. I hear it at restaurants, on trains, and in barber shops when talking about someone who is Black. I’m sure some of my readers have heard it and either cringed or wondered what it meant.
Here is one definition I found online:
Now, whenever I hear the word it’s in two contexts – a bad one and a harmless/proud one.
‘Maldito Cocolo’ (Damn Black)
‘Eso cocolos me tienen cansao’ (I’m tired of Blacks)
Then its used in a way that doesn’t sound so harmful.
Que eres tu? Yo soy un cocolo (I’m a Black)
Que era el hombre? Un Cocolo. (He was Black)
From the definitions and examples I provided you, you’ll see that it can be used as a prideful word or perceived as a hateful one. Thing is, I’ve only heard one person say it in a prideful way my whole life. Most of the time I hear it, it’s used in a negative sentence.
One day, I pressed one of my friends about it and he said: ‘It’s not the N word. It’s just a way of calling people who are your complexion. Sort of like Gringo.’
I’ve never said Cocolo in my life (not once), but I have said Morenito to describe someone of my skin color whether Spanish speaking or not. I shouldn’t be using that word because it’s offensive in nature as well.
But Moreno lost its negative connotation with me. I’ve been called a ‘Morenito’ by my Grandma and others close to me. I never looked at the word Moreno as an offensive word because I felt it described people of my complexion – and I guess when I heard it – I heard it from people close to me so never took offense (wasn’t said in an offensive manner either).
Whenever they say it it’s: “Mi Moreno tan bello o mi Moreno tan buen mozo.” (Handsome/Beautiful)
But I’m here to say that both Cocolo and Moreno are both negative to me. Whether they are to you, is on you. But I’ve had Black friends and other Latino friends of my complexion ask me what I thought about it. My dad said he doesn’t accept Moreno or Cocolo now or when he was growing up in DR. He says call me a Negro. My Uncle let’s people call him Moreno all the time and doesn’t have an issue.
I just think if you’re Latino, you should call people ‘Negro’ which is the equivalent of Black. I would say ‘Afro-Americano,’ but some people are too lazy to say so many words.
I know this was a bit confusing, but it’s because it’s almost like the N word. Some Blacks say it to each other, but aren’t too fond of other races saying it. In most cases, cocolo is used to describe American Blacks. But what makes it extra confusing is that it’s used by Dominicans to describe other Dominicans or any other Black who is Latino.
This stuff gives me a headache and I’m sure it provides you with one too.
*Pops an Advil*
Have a good weekend…
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6 responses right now ↓
1 Des // May 26, 2010 at 4:23 pm
The documentary, Dominican Identity and Migration to Hispaniola, has an interesting theory on the origins of this term. It may refer to an African village or city (cocolai-or something like that) that was the source for slave labor. The slaves that were brought to DR were then called cocolos. This film also challenges the notion that modern day Dominicans are equal descendants of Spaniards, Tainos and Africans because the native Indian population had been decimated early on. The film explores how other cultures and races, primarily Africans, impacted DR.
2 admin // May 26, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Thanks for the info Des. I’ll definitely check this out.
3 MALDITO GORDO // May 27, 2010 at 4:02 pm
This may be a little off topic, but these type of distinctions fascinate me.
I’m Tejano.
I was born and raised in the great state of Texas (I now live in Alaska…It’s a long story). I also consider myself Mexican.
To me, these geographic identifiers are indistinguishable when one uses them to determine someones ethnicity.
However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that Mexicans don’t want to be called Tejanos (even after moving to Texas) and Tejanos (at times) don’t like being associated with Mexican nationals. Also, after visiting Central and South America, and certain parts of the Caribbean, I was surprised to learn that I am also a Gringo. (Not because I’m Caucasian but because I’m American).
What surprises me is that I experienced these life lessons thinking that these subtleties in ethnicity didn’t matter. I was probably being naive, but the whole experience has left me feeling lost. Can’t I be all of these and still maintain some “street cred”?
I don’t think I’m being overly sensitive, but I do think I should be able to count on my fellow Latinos for a little brotherly love.
Is that so wrong?
4 KT // Jun 5, 2010 at 9:06 pm
god so many classifications. The other day I was at PF on Dyckman working out with a friend (Dominican) we were talking about which guys in the gym we suspect of using steroids. So i referred to a really muscular “black” guy, and my friend corrected me, he said “he’s not black, didn’t u hear him speaking dominican?” I said really, he’s not? he said, yeah he’s dominican, he’s not black. So i said, well what would i be in DR? He replied in washington heights inwood area you’re moreno. I laughed and said, that’s too funny. But i realized that although this person was obviously black, it wasn’t my place to call him black. I realized from that comvo ppl can be whatever the hell they want to be lol however it still amazes me everytime i ask my Dominican friends their background they always leave out African, even the darkest ones. The always say spaniard and taino, some say even say middle eastern and french.
cocolo–i thought this word describes Dominicans of black West Indian heritage? no?
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