Why does my Spanish ex-boyfriend call me "loca"?

Question

My ex-boyfriend is Puerto Rican, and he calls me loca? Is this a nice thing to say to me? I know it means crazy but I am getting a little upset by it.

Welcome to the Forum, kee. Learn some Spanish and answer him back! - margaretbl, Feb 1, 2011

You are "loca" if you let it upset you. - ian-hill, Feb 1, 2011

Answer 1

My teacher is from Puerto Rico, and she uses "loco" and "loca" affectionately. It just depends on the tone of voice. Obviously, if it is said in an angry manner, he probably means it literally, but if he says it like "you are loca" with an eye roll and a smile, he means it affectionately. It's the same as in the United States, being called crazy can be sweet or mean.

That's nice rachel, she said 'ex-boyfriend' so that is making me think it is not in an affectionate way..... - margaretbl, Feb 1, 2011

Tone of voice and context of conversation too... someone once told me that some Mexican men call their wives "vieja" and I took that to mean they weren't too happy or pleased with their mates; it was explained to me it can be a term of endearment. - cristalino, Feb 2, 2011

Answer 2

Porque es un idiota. A una mujer nunca se le debe llamar loca, a menos que puedas defenderte.

Awwww, ¡qué bueno eres! - margaretbl, Feb 1, 2011

Answer 3

He calls you loca probably because he is your EX-boyfriend. If it bothers you, which it should, why not simply have nothing more to do with him? Isn't that the whole idea of being EX?

Hmm. You must not be divorced with children in common. If EX only meant that. - 0074b507, Feb 1, 2011

They may still have other friends in common and cannot avoid running into each other through mutual friends. - 0074b507, Feb 1, 2011