miguelgcuadra

they were "jodidos". it meant here, estan arruinados, no tieien futuro . in the mexican macho jargon jodidos.

Estamos Jodidos Mexicanos, indicating that Mexico is in the ruins, politically, economically...but never the F word.

sol_veracruzano

Using the word "Joder"

Sharon, I'm Mexican and live in Puebla, Mexico, If you use the phrase "No jodas mas" in any place in Mexico it would be considered as an insult. Unless there is familiarity between yourself and the person that is “Bugging” you.

A firm "NO!" and no eye-contact is perfectly right.

Ryberg

"never the F word"

Where are you from, Miguel? My wife is quite sure it's the F word, and she's born and raised Mexican!

Steve

Dude

Just for info. I heard a local say estoy jodido in Oaxaca last summer. I was not sure what it meant, but in the context I heard it I assumed it wasn't polite to say the least. I asked Oaxacan friends and they said it meant "I'm f...ed." So I would be careful using this for sure-

miguelgcuadra

It is my opinion that the "f" word is the closes translation into English and a non native speaker will not understand beyond that point. But joder does not literally means that every time it is used.

No jodas mas" in any place in Mexico it would be considered as an insult. Yes a mild insult ,like, which other way i ask you to leave me alone?..a warning that person had it and getting upset. I do not blame vendors,they need to sell to feed the family, but they are a pain.

Rayberg, I am born and raised Nicaraguan, being living in Miami last 27 year

I heard a local say estoy jodido in Oaxaca last summer. I was not sure what it means. What was the topic of conversation, finances, health, sex, etc.. it meant am lacking something or not having luck or doing really bad with money , it all depends on topic of converation.

It is same with any other language, after so many years in the USA, there are still regionalism in English that I do not get them.

CaliNurse

Are there fewer ("aggressive vendors&quot in CR, in experienced Fodorites' opinions? A friend, who'd not expected it (but also, not having been to other coutries in LA, had nothing with which to compare) said emerging from SJO was like running the gauntlet. Thanks in advance for responses.

Jim_1969

More to the point...

I've dealt with vendors in Mexico a LOT. Ignore them. Plain and simple.

I recommend simply walking away quietly and/or saying absolutely nothing. They've seen it all, they will know you are a tourist anyway, and they don't get offended easily. Unless of course you say something offensive, in which case, who wouldn't be offended?

captbuzz

Having just return from Oaxaca where where selling and begging in the zocalo was ever present ,but not too extreme I had a chance to observe many locals at the caffes deal with it .A faint smile ,small vague wavy hand gesture and a no always worked.
i tried it many times and it works!!

blearynet

Yup, follow the advice about the faint smile, wavy hand gesture, and soft No. I have watched my Mexican cousins, and that is exactly what they do. And it always works.

shillmac

CaliNurse,
The airport really isn't a problem if you come out looking like you know what you are doing! "The gauntlet" refers to the many taxi drivers trying to get your business. Then there are all of the drivers waiting with signs.

Most people arrive with a plan (a driver waiting for them, a rental agency picking them up, etc), but the taxi drivers are competing for those who don't have a plan, I guess!

It really isn't a big deal. We just smile and say hello, so glad to be seeing you again! And go our merry way. . .