Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Life

20 Things You Should Never Say to a Latina

If you’re a Latina, we guarantee you’ve heard just about all of these. From people asking if we’re Spanish who speak Mexican to constantly being asked if we can say something in Spanish, people will forever will be stereotypical of who they think we are. 

1. “You guys have bad temper.”

Please tell me something I don’t know.

2. “You’re so spicy!”

Oh sorry, I didn’t know I was a piece of food. 

3. “Say something in Spanish” or worse, “say something sexy in Spanish”

No thank you! I’m not part of a circus.

4. “Are you Mexican?”

Why do people constantly assume that if you speak Spanish that means you’re here illegally? 

5. “Hey, Mami.”

For one, I’m not your mother and second of all I have a name. Learn it.

6. “Call me papi.”

Hell NO! Last time I checked, you are not my dad.

7. “Latinas are curvy.”

Unfortunately, curviness is one of the many things I did not inherited.

8. “Are you Spanish?”

Like from the country Spain? No, not really. Spanish is just the language we speak. Unless my parents lied to me.

9. “You’re an alien.”

Huh? Aliens aren’t real. Never want to assume that someone is here undocumented. 

10. “Can you cook?”

Because all Latinas can cook, right? Sorry, but no.

11. “What do you mean you can’t dance? Aren’t you a Latina?”

Your point?

12. “You come from a big family, don’t you?”

Define “big”. I only have one sibling.

13. “I bet you’re so a freak in bed.”

Um…

14. “Do you speak Mexican?”

Last time I checked that wasn’t a language.

15. “I love Spanish food!”

Never had it.

16. “I don’t know how they do things in your country but here…”

Just stop right there.

17. “You’re so caliente.”

AKA dirty talk fail.

18. “Latina’s are crazy.”

We sure are! WATCH OUT!

19. “What are you?”

Uhhh…can you elaborate please?

20. “I only date Latinas.”

Ok, yeah, sure

Aleixka has a B.A. in Media Arts and Design and a minor in Spanish from James Madison University. She loves all things books, traveling, food, and photography.