Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

pochismo

noun po·chis·mo \ pōˈchēz(ˌ)mō \

Definition of pochismo

plural -s
1 : a term of U.S. origin borrowed into Mexican Spanish and used along the border between the U.S. and Mexico especially by U.S.-born Mexicans
  • not a single pochismo has added to the beauty of our Spanish language
  • —F. G. Beraza
2 : a vocabulary consisting of pochismos

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of pochismo

Mexican Spanish, from poche, pocho U.S. resident of Mexican origin (probably from Spanish pocho discolored) + Spanish -ismo -ism

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up pochismo? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games