What do Spanish speakers mean when they say quiero un negro que me abanique

Question

Hi! I recently encountered this phrase, apparently it's an idiom or something like that. I'm not sure what it's supposed to imply since it literally means I want a black person to fan me. Do you have any idea?

Also is this an expression that is restricted to a few countries or is it widely used throughout the Spanish speaking world? - bubblyx, Jan 30, 2014

This post is being closed due to it's racial implications. - rac1, Jan 30, 2014

I have re-opened this thread, but if it causes further offense, it will be closed permanently. - rac1, Jan 30, 2014

Answer 1

I just spoke to said friend and he tells me that I misunderstood....he was hot and needed to cool down and actually said 'Necesito un masaje, tabaco, un tinto y un negro que me abanique' He is from Barcelona...I don't know about other countries

So what did he mean by that? Was it a joke? - bubblyx, Jan 30, 2014

No, it wasn't a joke, it's a set expression. - Janeinspain1, Jan 30, 2014

Omg I get it! It's like the English expression, "I need a cup of tea, a Bex and a good lie down". Is it like that? - bubblyx, Jan 30, 2014

yes :) - Janeinspain1, Jan 30, 2014

Answer 2

It's a bit like an english person saying 'well, I'll go to the bottom of my stairs!' or 'flippin 'eck' or 'OMG!' or 'you could have knocked me down with a feather'.... It's not to be literally translated and in my opinion it shouldn't really be used because of its racial implications.....BUT there are not many spanish alternatives that are not politically incorrect in some way or other.

Oh as in you are in shock that you need fresh air or you need someone to can you? Wow ok I get it now. Yes I do agree it's a bit racist but it's really interesting to see how history has shaped languages :) - bubblyx, Jan 30, 2014

Edit: I meant to say fan not can - bubblyx, Jan 30, 2014

Also is this an expression that is restricted to a few countries or is it widely used throughout the Spanish speaking world? - bubblyx, Jan 30, 2014

I am in Valencia, Spain and I have only heard this expression used once (by a friend who is originally from Barcelona) - Janeinspain1, Jan 30, 2014

Do you know if people in Latin America use this expression or not? Since it seems like Latin Americans are less sensitive to "racial" words as in they would call each other racial names and not get offended? - bubblyx, Jan 30, 2014

I just spoke to said friend and he tells me that I misunderstood....he was hot and needed to cool down and actually said 'Necesito un masaje, tabaco, un tinto y un negro que me abanique' - Janeinspain1, Jan 30, 2014

Answer 3

OMG, this sentence is very very racist, derogatory and insulting, but maybe it has sense in this context...

Imagine you're a Pharaoh in the ancient Egypt, and It was very hot. Then you call your black slave in order to give you air with his big fan made by feathers of exotic birds, while you're sitting on your throne.

I saw this expression many time on the internet. A quick google search will show you that it's used so many times in forums and stuff. I'm not sure what it's supposed to mean though since it's something that people just say like an idiom - bubblyx, Jan 30, 2014

Answer 4

Anyone from Latin America? Have you heard this expression, or is it only used in Spain? If it's only used in Spain would a Latin American get offended if they hear it?

I am from Central America and this is the first time I hear/read this phrase. I thought you guys were talking about a baseball player. Like when you throw a baseball and someone will hit it. - juanmelgar, Jan 31, 2014

Abanicar: could mean golpear(hit) abrazar(hold) - juanmelgar, Jan 31, 2014