vaquero
everyday, Mexico
In Mexico a cowboy is a vaquero. A charro is a different figure, the traditional Mexican horseman who wears a decorated suit and a wide hat. It is also called cowboy.
Meaning: a rider who herds cattle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| vaquero | everyday, Mexico |
| charro | Mexican horseman |
| cowboy | from English |
Vaquero is the working cattle rider. Western cowboys from American films are also vaqueros or sometimes cowboys. Botas vaqueras are cowboy boots.
Which one should you use?
A charro is part of Mexican tradition and performs in a charreada, a rodeo-like event. A mariachi musician also wears a charro-style outfit.
When do people say it?
The Spanish word vaquero is where the English words "buckaroo" and "vaquero" come from, since Mexican ranch hands shaped cowboy culture in the American West.
Did you know?
- Charrería was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in 2016.
Examples in context
- Mi abuelo fue vaquero en Chihuahua.My grandfather was a cowboy in Chihuahua.
- Los charros montan a caballo en la charreada.Charros ride horses in the charreada.
- Me gustan las películas de vaqueros.I like cowboy movies.
Example conversation
Tío Raúl shows his nephew Diego a photo album at a family party in Chihuahua.
- DiegoTío, ¿quién es este señor?Uncle, who is this man?
- Tío RaúlEs tu bisabuelo. Era vaquero.That is your great-grandfather. He was a cowboy.
- Diego¡Qué padre!How cool!
