Is the phrase 'trabajar como un negro' common in the Hispanic world?

Question

My dictionary gives this as a translation of a Dutch saying that means 'to work very hard'. I could imagine however that it can be considered offensive. Especially if they aren't familiar with its use they may confuse it with the stereotype that black people are lazy.

To work like a black is a former , common Englsih saying. It means to work really hard. However, it is now unsuitable. - annierats, Mar 7, 2012

Politically incorrect. Best not used. - annierats, Mar 7, 2012

Answer 1

• Yes it is very common and even back people use it.
• It is offensive in the United States but it is not in the Latin American countries where it is used. You have to take in account the cultural differences. In the U.S. people get offended very easily. People here are very touchy and ready to pounce on you and make a big deal out of something you say or do. We are a more "free culture" We laugh more, we make more jokes, we take life much easier! We still have the right of free speech that in the U.S. people still think they have.
• Spanish is a language where words like, negro, gordo, gorda, flaco, flaco, chaparro, chaparra, vieja, viejo, etc. can have a cute, flattering meaning, whilst in English you would be in big trouble!

It is widely used in Baja California Sur. Not offensive, unless the tone makes it so. - gringojrf, Mar 7, 2012

Absolutely! The context will tell you if your intention is to offend, to joke, or to flatter! - farallon7, Mar 7, 2012

I've known some Latinos who would get offended at certain words too, no matter what the tone. I only recommend avoiding it because there are a lot of people who are offended by it. If you're not used to saying it, it won't slip out at the wrong time. - ciscocaja, Mar 7, 2012

cisco, please don't argue about something that you are not culturally familiar with. We are talking about "trabajar como negro" This is never offensive in our culture. I am not talking about using it in the U.S.A. - farallon7, Mar 7, 2012

Not offensive at all in my country (Argentina). You can even use it in yourself. "Hoy trabajé como un negro". - 00d312f5, Mar 7, 2012

I didn't realize I was arguing. I hope you're not offended. ;) - ciscocaja, Mar 7, 2012

Not at all cisco! I didn't mean argue like you being upset, but more like contradicting something that is cultural. Cultures are very puzzling! - farallon7, Mar 7, 2012

I run a business in Bogota and it's a phrase that I've heard from some of my employees - it's never sounded racist to me in Spanish though it has made me flinch a little as I do think in both languages... - afowen, Mar 7, 2012

nothing bad in mexico - Rey_Mysterio, Mar 7, 2012

In Spain, they often say that something poorly made is "hecho de chinos", or made by the Chinese. As an American, I find that offensive, but like Farallon said, there are many phrases that don´t strike them as odd because of the culture. - missy8888, Mar 8, 2012

Answer 2

farallon7 said: > In the U.S. people get offended very easily. People here are very touchy and ready to pounce on you and make a big deal out of something.

Please be careful of stereotyping people from the U.S. We are not all the same.

Ciscocaja said: It has roots in pre-American Civil War slavery.

This is true, and yes, the phrase is very offensive in the U.S.

I think that American "stereotype" is very true, though. There are many things said and done in Spanish cultures that wouldn´t fly in America. - missy8888, Mar 8, 2012

Mariana, that is not stereotyping, that is reality and there is nothing to be careful about it. Negro in the U.S will always be wrong, a fat woman will always be wrong in the U.S. Calling a woman old will not be taken as a compliment. - farallon7, Mar 13, 2012

Answer 3

It was common in England too: To work like a black just meant to work very hard.

However, for unknown reasons this is now probably insulting..

To sweat like a pig is also best avoided.

I think you may still safely eat like a horse...

Ha ha ha! We must be careful not to get the pigs and the horses upset! - farallon7, Mar 7, 2012

jajaja. Annie fantastic answer. But don't snore like a chain saw. Your spouse might use one on you. - gringojrf, Mar 7, 2012

To work like a dog just means to work very hard... For obvious reasons it's insulting to replace dog with black when refering to a black person... - afowen, Mar 7, 2012

Ah, it's a dog's life. - annierats, Mar 8, 2012

Answer 4

A direct translation of this into English is indeed offensive to many people. It isn't anything to do with a stereotype of laziness though. It has roots in pre-American Civil War slavery. It is still considered to be a touchy subject by many, especially were it to be said by the wrong person in the wrong company. I would recommend extreme caution using such a phrase. In fact, I recommend never using it.

Answer 5

(Van Dale doet dat inderdaad. Hoe komen ze erbij !?!?!)

What is considered the best dictionary here in Holland, Van Dale, really does that, but they also offer a second option which is much, much safer to use: matarse a trabajar or matarse trabajando.

I know some Latin-American people who would not consider this an insult, as they know very well who works hardest over there.

It's Prisma, actually :-p - S1r_Wakka, Mar 7, 2012

;-) - mcl020, Mar 8, 2012