CHAYOTERO: ORIGIN AND MEANING, CURIOSITIES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

Chayotero is a widely known Mexican idiom in journalistic and political slang, which has maintained its popularity since its appearance in the 60s. The expression refers to the bribe (chayote) that a journalist can receive in exchange for speaking positively about a politician, important personality or institution.

Although some Internet users and the general population indicate that there is no exact date for the appearance of this expression, most seem to agree that it dates from the mid-50s and 60s, during the mandate of a governor of one of the most important regions of the world. country.

Today it is said that the vast majority of the media, as well as journalists, have received “chayotes” in order to improve or denigrate the reputation of politicians and other public officials.

Origin and meaning

On the origin of the expression, several scenarios can be exposed:

First version

The best known version indicates that the word arose in the late 1950s and mid 1960s in Tlaxcala, although it is not known specifically during which government.

During this period, the president made a series of promises about crops that he had implemented in the region and which would be of help to the rest of the country.

For this reason, he invited a group of leading journalists and other media representatives to speak about it. However, records indicate that during the journey the guests received envelopes with money.

At this point, one of the journalists is said to have exclaimed: “But look, everyone, what beautiful fields of chayotes. They are very green and very pretty ”. Apparently, the rest of the journalists only agreed to take a better look at the envelopes they had in their hands.

Second version

The second approach is more or less similar to the first. In this case, it was a businessman or politician aspiring to an important position who held an event, in order to obtain good references. At that time there were only two effective methods: through advertisements in the press or thanks to good reviews.

It is estimated that this character invited a group of reporters to summon them in his gardens, a place that served to specify the bribes of those who were there.

In the middle of the situation, it is said that there was a chayote plantation, a place that became a point of reference for the arrival of more journalists to the place.

Regarding this, the following sentence was collected: "The boss was giving me some chayotes, nothing more." In the end, and with the passage of time, this context served to indicate that the "chayote" was the representation of payment or bribery.

Third version

Although in general terms two hypotheses are handled in this regard, in recent times a third has been added that is worth mentioning:

It dates back to the time of President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, who they say used to send large amounts of money on the 15th or last days of the month, to renowned media owners and journalists in order to make sure they spoke well. of its management.

In addition, in Díaz Ordaz's residence there was a chayote tree that bore large fruits, which were offered to the communicators who went there to receive the corresponding bribes.

Meaning

The person or media that receives bribes (in the form of money or aid) is called “chayotero” in order to carry out acceptance campaigns, for or against a candidate, personality or institution that is considered to be renowned.

At this point it is worth highlighting the figure of "chayote", which is understood as the money or aid in question.

Words used in journalistic slang

There are words that are also used in the journalistic field that are still present today:

Inlay

It has a connotation similar to “chayotero”, since it also refers to journalists who receive favors or money to disseminate favorable information.

It is believed that this figure began to become known during the presidency of Porfirio Díaz, who had the habit of bribing journalists and different newspaper owners.

Chayo

It is a synonym of the previous word and serves as the current version of “chayote” and “chayotear”. In addition, it refers directly to those who practically make a living from this activity. Today, this word is used as the main resource for jokes and even memes.

Chacaleo

It refers to those impromptu interviews and, according to experts, somewhat run over, resulting from the little planning of the journalist who does them. The main goal of this is to find a scoop or important information.

Flown

It refers to the set of information or news that has been invented, or whose data has not yet been confirmed. The main characteristic of a "volada" is that it is constructed in such a way that it can be interpreted as true.

Lamb

It has to do with that type of information that does not present an important support, but that is attractive enough to be copied by other means of communication.

Although for a time it represented an important problem in the journalistic field, it is estimated that this behavior is no longer being replicated, since it violates the norms and codes of the media.

Curiosities

-The word has also been used as the main inspiration for the realization of memes and momos, especially when specific criticisms are made of certain journalists and the media.

-It is estimated that the Mexican press uses other types of terms that may be derogatory for certain groups. For example, one of the most common is "chairo", which refers to people with left-leaning ideology.

-There are several versions of the story of origin of the word and all are widely accepted in the political sphere of the country.

-Although it is a reference in the media, it is estimated that it is not known among the population.

References

1. What does chayotero mean? (sf). In Ask.me. Retrieved: June 20, 2019. In Question.me from question.me.
2. What does the expression "a medium is chayotero" or "receives chayote" mean in the journalistic genre? " (2017). In El Ruinaversal. Retrieved: June 20, 2018. In El Ruinaversal of elruinaversal.com.
3. Absinthe, Manuel. The chayote, origin and paternity. (2013). In The Economist. Retrieved: June 20, 2018. In El Economista of eleconomista.com.mx.
4. From "chayos", "chacaleos" and other expressions. (2014). In Forbes. Retrieved: June 20, 2018. In Forbes at forbes.com.mx.
5. Definition of "chayotero"! (creeping journalist). (2015). In Probable Cause. Retrieved: June 20, 2018. In Probable Cause from casaprobable.com.