“Gachupino.”—Page 9. A Spaniard of Old Spain. The term is used contemptuously by the natives, or Creoles (Criollos), of Mexico, who hate their Spanish cousins as the Americans hate Englishmen, and for a very similar reason.
“Hijo de algo.”—Page 9. Literally, “son of somebody.” Hence the word hidalgo. The “blue blood” (sangre azul) is the term for pure blood or high birth.
“Poblanas.”—Page 9. A poblana is, literally, a village girl or woman, but in a more specific sense it signifies a village belle, or beauty. It is nearly a synonyme of the Spanish “maja.”
“Don Juan Tenorio.”—Page 9. Don Juan Tenorio—a celebrated character of Spanish romance and drama. He is the original from which Byron drew his conception of Don Juan. He is the hero of a thousand love-scrapes and “desafios,” or duels. The drama of “Don Juan Tenorio” still keeps the Spanish stage, and Spaniards can hardly find words to express their admiration of its poetry. It requires two nights to play this piece, which is about twice the length of a regular five-act play.
“Teniente.”—Page 9. “Lugar-teniente” is lieutenant in Spanish, but the “lugar” is left out, and “teniente” stands for the title of the subaltern.
“Quien sabel.”—Page 10. A noted phrase which figures largely in Spanish dialogue. Literally, “Who knows?”
“Gambucinos and rancheros!”—Page 10. Gambucino, a petty miner, who digs or washes gold on his own account. Ranchero, the dweller in a rancho, or country hut. The ranchero class corresponds pretty nearly to that known as “small farmers,” though in Mexico they are more often graziers than agriculturists.
“Enaguas.”—Page 10. Sometimes written “nagua,”—the petticoat, usually of coarse blue or red cotton stuff, with a list of white or some other colour forming the top part.
“Reboso.”—Page 10. The scarf of greyish or slaty blue, worn by all women in Mexico, except the ladies of the Upper Ten Thousand, who use it only on occasions.
“Allegria.”—Page 11. A singular custom prevails among the women of New Mexico, of daubing their faces all over with the juice of a berry called by them the “allegria,” which gives them anything but a charming look. The juice is of a purplish red colour, somewhat like that of blackberries. Some travellers allege that it is done for ornament, as the Indians use vermilion and other pigments. This is not a correct explanation. The “allegria” is used by the New Mexican belles to preserve the complexion, and get it up towards some special occasion, such as a grand fiesta or “fandango,” when it is washed off, and the skin comes out clear and free from “tan.” The “allegria” is the well known “poke-weed” of the United States (Phytolacca decandra.)