''Roto'', f. ''rota'', (literally "torn" or "broken") is a term used to refer to
Chilean people and in particular to the common Chilean. In
Chile from the start of the 20th century it was applied with a negative
classist connotation to poor city-dwellers. It is also used contemptuously in other Spanish-speaking countries, especially
Bolivia
, image_flag = Bandera de Bolivia (Estado).svg
, flag_alt = Horizontal tricolor (red, yellow, and green from top to bottom) with the coat of arms of Bolivia in the center
, flag_alt2 = 7 × 7 square p ...
and
Peru, to refer to Chileans in a derogatory manner. Otherwise, despite its defects, the roto is also considered a figure of national identity and pride in Chile.
Historical usage
The term ''roto'' has been used in
Peru since the times of the
Spanish conquest, when
Diego de Almagro's disappointed troops returned to
Cuzco (after a failed gold-seeking expedition in Chile) with their torn clothes, due to the extensive and laborious passage on foot through the
Atacama desert. In the early days of
Santiago its inhabitants were notoriously poorly dressed as result of a lack of food and supplies. Some Spanish came to dress with
hides __NOTOC__
Hide or hides may refer to:
Common uses
* Hide (skin), the cured skin of an animal
* Bird hide, a structure for observing birds and other wildlife without causing disturbance
* Gamekeeper's hide or hunting hide or hunting blind, a stru ...
from dogs, cats,
sea lions and
foxes.
This term became more used after the
Chilean campaigns against the Peru-Bolivian Confederation in 1839 —Chilean troops defeated the confederation at the
Battle of Yungay on 20 January 1839. In Chile tributes were paid to the victors of Yungay and, in a gesture of recognition, 20 January was declared the
''Día del Roto Chileno'' (in Spanish; ''Day of the Chilean Roto'')— and the
War of the Pacific (1879–84).
The figure of the ''Chilean Roto'' is commemorated by very diverse organisations and actors such as the
Chilean Army, ultra-nationalist activists, the Communist Party and local organisations of ordinary citizens. The Army has a particular appreciation to the figure which was regarded as the main hero –a collective and anonymous hero- of some of the most crucial battles in the war against Bolivia and Peru.
In this context, the webpage of the Chilean Army states:
[http://www.ejercito.cl/historia/hisp-ind.htm ; 15 December 2004]
See also
*
Descamisado
References
{{Ethnic slurs
Anti-Chilean sentiment
Chilean culture
Chilean nationalism
Class-related slurs
Ethnic and religious slurs
Poverty in South America
Urban culture
Working class
Working class in South America
National personifications