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Chicano/Hispano students host

"No problemo" could be considered a racist phrase.

In a lecture sponsored by the University of Arizona's Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs Thursday, anthropology professor Jane Hill spoke about racism in everyday talk, an idea that she has developed, called "Mock Spanish."

Hill identifies "hate speech" as the most obvious type of racist language. This includes racial slurs that are used to cause harm to people of different races.

"Mock Spanish is a set of words that are thought to be of Spanish origin but are used in English," Hill said.

Some of these words include "adios," "macho" and "nada."

One of the ways people speak Mock Spanish is by using Spanish to express obscene words in English, such as "caca toro."

Another is by creating insulting or joking expressions by adding Spanish words to English vocabulary, such as "el cheapo" or "mucho trouble-o."

"I think that Mock Spanish occurs at the highest level of public discourse, and can appear in conversations that appear to be rude or vulgar," Hill said.

Hill showed a video clip of "The Terminator" - in which Arnold Schwarzenegger says "Hasta la vista, baby," before blowing someone away - in order to support her idea.

Most native Spanish speakers often find Mock Spanish to be humorous and enjoyable, Hill said.

"However, some (Spanish speakers) may find Mock Spanish as offensive, like with Taco Bell's 'Yo quiero Taco Bell' campaign," she added.

Katie Hawkins, a senior majoring in Spanish, commented on Ricky Martin's increasing popularity in both the Latin and English audiences.

"'Livin' La Vida Loca' is continuing to spread the use of Mock Spanish," Hawkins said.

Hill has published articles sharing her thoughts on Mock Spanish and racism in a few different anthropology journals and she spoke at the UA faculty forum lecture in September.

Hill concluded her lecture by expressing her concern with the continuing racism in the United States.

"I would like everyone to know where it happens and to be aware of it," she said.