From the Spanishdict entry on "slave"

Question

Slave [sle?v] sustantivo 1. esclavo(a) (sustantivo masculino o femenino) slave driver (familiar sentido figurado) -> negrero(a) (sustantivo masculino o femenino) , tirano(a) (sustantivo masculino o femenino) slave labor -> trabajo (m) de esclavos slave trade -> comercio (m) or trata (f) de esclavos verbo intransitivo 2. trabajar como un negro

trabajar como un negro?

Isn't it funny how only Americans have to be politically correct?

"Negro" was politically correct for many years. - 0074b507, Mar 4, 2010

Was. - Malenor, Mar 4, 2010

Answer 1

Es gracioso pero puedo entender el sentido histórico de las palabras "nergras" en la entrada. Además, creo que la entrada le da una percepción profunda de la cultura de Latinoamérica. En algunas partes de LA, ser "negro" es una mala cosa y fíjense que lo que significa "ser negro" en los EEUU no es el mismo por otros paises.

Answer 2

Hi Malenor, this site is very respectful with all members and their opinions, but if you get offended by a simple definition, I suggest you find a better place. You won't find a single dictionary which does not include the sentence, go see WR on this matter.

This is one definition:

II vi fam to slave (away), trabajar como un burro

but then of course:

slave2 verbo intransitivo (colloq): I've been slaving away all day he estado trabajando como un negro todo el día (fam)

This discussion is ridiculous, thread closed.

Answer 3

I told a veterinarian friend of mine about the site's definition of "slave" and he kind of grinned and grimaced at the same time. He asked me where I found it and I said "Spanishdict.com". He then suggested that the site name be changed so it doesn't sound so much like

Answer 4

What makes a term pejorative has very little to do with its actual meaning. During much the 60's, "blacks" was the preferred/"politically correct" term (presumably to avoid the term "negro" [which is simply the Latinate term with the same meaning]). Witness, "black power", "black pride" and "black is beautiful". Then the sensibilities of some (the most vocal) people changed. Nothing else changed. The words did not suddenly take on new meanings. The only thing that changed was that some, now took offense, where they had not before.

The same is (and has for a long time been) true of the infamous "nigga". White speakers usually retain the final "r" sound but its use by anyone who is not Afro-American is considered "insulting", while its use by Afro-Americans is wide-spread and considered "acceptable". This, then, results in an interesting dichotomy i.e. one can use the word/phrase with impunity if one is a member of a certain racial group but not if one is an "outsider". However, this too is, obviously, a case of discrimination (some may say it, others shouldn't).

All of this is culturally based. It is silly to expect that other cultures/languages should reflect/accomodate the biases of American culture/language.

Answer 5

I think of a dictionary as a book that defines usage of a term.It states the meaning without judgement.While I cringe when I read that definition it does show the idea behind a particular usage, which I would want to know to avoid in this case.

This one is fairly obvious but there are other words I could regretfully use if not defined acurately with the real intent of the meaning.

Answer 6

So you're saying that in parts of Latin America it's perfectly fine to speak like Archie Bunker? And that Spanishdict is just basing the example in some cultural context?

Answer 7

Haha wow.

Answer 8

Is Spanishdict PC? Doesn't look like it. I'm not the PC police, I'm just asking.

Answer 9

not only Americans are politically correct.