Cultural Terms & Concepts
This key term refers to the value where Hispanic families are very close, broadly defined, and supportive.
What is a familismo?
Translated as "soul loss" or "fright," this posttraumatic illness occurs from a frightful experience.
What is susto?
This is a neighborhood resource store where Hispanics buy traditional herbs and remedies.
What is a botánica?
Traditional 40-day period after birth where mother and child stay home with limited visitors.
What is the cuarentena?
Making up 61.4% of the population in 2019, this group represents the largest Hispanic subgroup in the U.S.
Who are Mexicans (or Mexican Americans)?
This fundamental concept of respect places social worth and decision-making power on authority figures and elders.
What is respeto?
Also called "evil eye," this hex on children is thought to be caused by the envious or admiring gaze of a stronger person.
What is mal de ojo?
This traditional folk healer or shaman uses herbs and supernatural methods to cure physical and spiritual illnesses
What is a curandero (or curandera)?
Wearing a safety pin or this metal item on the abdomen during pregnancy is believed to prevent birth deformities.
What is a metal key?
This condition affects 14.3% of Latinos over age 20, making it the foremost health issue in this population.
What is type 2 diabetes?
This term describes the surprisingly good health and mortality outcomes for Hispanics relative to non-Hispanic Whites.
What is the Hispanic paradox?
Meaning indigestion or "blocked intestines," this stomach pain is thought to be caused by food clinging to the stomach.
What is empacho?
Known as the "Way of the Saints," this religion combines Yoruba beliefs with Roman Catholic traditions.
What is Santería?
This Spanish term for chicken bouillon soup is an approved food choice for mothers during the cuarentena.
What is caldo de pollo?
Peer community outreach workers used for health education programs in Hispanic communities are called this
What are promotoras?
This word is an abbreviation of Mexicano and is used to refer to Americans of Mexican descent.
What is Chicano?
Yes
The Spanish word for "spiritism," this practice is the belief that good and evil spirits can affect human life and health.
What is espiritismo?
Who generally does hands-on end of life care for dying family members?
Women of the family
This condition was the number one leading cause of death among Hispanics/Latinos in 2017.
What is cancer?
In Puerto Rico, this phrase meaning "clean and not too thin" is used to describe a person's health.
What is llenitos y limpios?
Meaning "frozen face," this temporary paralysis of the face or limbs is thought to be caused by a sudden hot-cold imbalance.
What is pasmo?
In Santería, these spirits resemble Catholic saints and reflect manifestations of God.
What are orishas?
What type of family do many Hispanic and Latino cultures rely on?
What is extended family
The phenomenon where foreign-born Latinos have lower rates of depression and mental disorders than U.S.-born Latinos is called this.
What is the immigrant paradox?