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Mexican Stand-off

Posted by ESC on February 08, 2000

In Reply to: Mexican Stand-off posted by Bruce Kahl on February 07, 2000

: : Could somebody tell me what this implies? I've heard it used with other nationalities too. I'd need to know if it is derogatory
and why.

: This phrase implies an impasse or deadlock, a state of inaction or neutralization resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions.

: Is it derogatory? I guess that is a personal opinion.
: Indian Giver
: Chinese Fire Drill
: Polish Jokes
: etc. etc

: Why would it be derogatory?
: Lacking understanding for those not like us/me/you
: leads to stereotyping and intolerance. But then again, I tend to be ultra-liberal.

Judge for yourself:
MEXICAN STANDOFF -- A couple of references I checked say we get "Mexican standoff" from the same regional chauvinism that gives us "Dutch treat," etc. Everything south of the border was considered inferior to U.S. stuff. Apparently, having a gunfight was considered a point of pride, so a gunfight where no shots were fired - a Mexican standoff - was inferior and thereby "Mexican." The Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins by William and Mary Morris (HarperCollins, New York, 1977) calls Dutch treat, etc., examples of "derogatory epithets aimed at neighboring countries." They also list phrases pertaining to Mexico. ".The expression 'Mexican athlete' is used to describe an athlete who goes out for the team but doesn't make it. A 'Mexican promotion' is one in which an employee gets a fancy new title -- but no increase in pay. And a 'Mexican breakfast' consists of a cigarette and a glass of water. So a 'Mexican standoff' is a situation from which nothing at all can be expected." The Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997) says Mexican standoff is "A stalemate, a confrontation that neither side can win. Originally an American cowboy expression describing a gun battle with no clear winner, the words date back to the mid-19th century. It is often used to describe a pitching duel in baseball today."

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