Chile Forum

The Roman historian Tacitus described how the Germanic peoples always drank wine while holding councils, as they believed nobody could lie effectively when drunk.

The Definition of Cuico and Flaite

People in Chile have different ideas of what the words "Cuico," and "Flaite," actually mean. I've touched upon the two subjects a couple times, mentioning their definitions briefly in passing, but today I want to write and actual post on the subject.

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Myth #1.

Being a cuico does not depend on where you live. Chilean would say that a cuico is someone who is upper class, snobby, looks down on people of a lower social standing. And often times, Chilean society will automatically assume you are a cuico or a flaite, simply based upon your physical address. If you live in a "barrio alto," you are a cuico. A barrio alto, literally translated, means a high neighborhood. This term came about because the rich Chileans tend to move higher and higher up into the Andes Mountains, isolating themselves from the smog, the city bustle and noise, and the poor people. They live in higher altitudes, aka, "barrios altos." A "barrio bajo," or low neighborhood, on the otherhand, tends to be anything below the metro stop Baquedano.

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Myth #2.

Chileans call people who are generally lower class and tend to have a certain attitude or set of beliefs, "flaite." Flaite can be a low social class, people who rob and steal to get by, a certain style of dress and a way of talking. For instance, pronouncing the "Ch," in Chile as Shile instead of Chile almost automatically qualifies you as flaite, which is unfortunate.

While many Chileans may classify all poor people as flaite, I really disagree with that. In the U.S., we have a saying that "money can't buy class." And I would have to argue that the same applies to this country.

In Chile socially inappropriate behaviours will qualify you as flaite. The term does connote low socio-economic status as well.

But, I think that's absurd, as the rich are not exempt from behaving socially inappropriate. For instance, I was once on a bus ride back from Algarrobo. Two girls vomited in the back of the bus and didn't clean it up until someone tattled on them. An older woman sitting near me remarked in an aghast tone, "Que flaite!"

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eeuunikkeiexpat wrote:The search abilities of roach people, caca people and uneducated apes continue to impress me.

The search abilities of roach people, caca people and uneducated apes continue to impress me.

... just kidding...