MARCH 8th | The Empowered Latin Divas Dictionary: Meaning for ‘Motomami,’ ‘Bichota,’ ‘Loba’…
On March 8th, we delve into some of the terms used by our female artists in their hits
Music, like language, has continually evolved. Some terms that have emerged in recent years have become enduring. However, it’s not just about songwriting; these terms have also found a place in our everyday language. Because if language can shape realities, music has the power to transform them, turning once-meaningless terms into expressions full of strength.
But it doesn’t end there. Another superpower of music is taking a term that has long been used as an insult and turning it around. What typically takes years to achieve can be accelerated through the musical effect. Because music doesn’t just soothe the savage beast; it also aids in educating and fostering empathy.
In honor of March 8th, LOS40 has compiled a powerful Latin divas dictionary with some terms that have appeared in songs, transforming into words brimming with symbolism and feminine power. Terms that, when uttered, bring to mind women full of strength and laden with sisterhood.
Motomami
It’s been two years since Rosalía introduced a new word to the world, a term that, unknowingly, would make its mark on music history: Motomami. A term she herself explained, signifying strength (moto) and fragility (mami). Rosalía revealed to El País that the word emerged in honor of her mother, who always rode a motorcycle. What she didn’t anticipate was that, years later, it would become a term describing a strong, resilient, and determined woman who, like everyone else, has her insecurities.
Now, two years later, Motomami has become a powerful word, referring to all women facing various life situations. From grandmothers to daughters, they are all Motomamis.
Bichota
If one searches for «bichote» in the dictionary, they will find: «high-ranking drug trafficker.» A definition far from what Karol G gave it in her 2020 hit. The Colombian star took this term and reinvented it for use by women other than Griselda.
«For me, the word was powerful; I wanted to use Bichota, but with a meaning related to a powerful, fantastic, and incredible woman,» asserted the star during the promotion of this single. Over the years, the word Bichota has become not only a term used among the star’s fans but also among young people to refer to a woman with clear ideas.
Muñecas («Dolls»)
Mafiosa («Gangster»)
Something similar to «Muñecas» is what Nathy Peluso did with «Mafiosa.» The Argentine singer took the term and turned it around. «Voy a ser mafiosa, la maravillosa) (Voy a ser mafiosa) ¡La má’ peligrosa del lugar!,» the artist declared in her 2021 song. With these words, Nathy reclaimed all the women who distance themselves from being delicate for a man. It’s she who decides with a «si se le ocurre que está a la altura, pues uste’ mándeme un email» (if you thinks you’re up to the challenge, then send me an email»).
Loba («She Wolf»)
We can’t talk about music terms full of feminine power without mentioning the «loba in the closet» that emerged 15 years ago thanks to Shakira and continues to spark conversations. The loba has become Shak’s mythological animal. In fact, the Colombian singer mentioned it again in her BZRP Music Session. «Una loba como yo no está hecha pa’ novatos / Una loba como yo no está pa’ tipos como tú,» she said in 2023.
Shakira’s loba has become the perfect term to refer to strong, empowered women with experience. Wolves who go out to hunt, to defend their pack, regardless of the consequences.
Las Babys
The Spanish pop diva Aitana has a term for her group of friends: her unwavering support in good times and bad. Those people who are always there when you call and become your safe place in the most challenging moments. She calls them «Las Babys.» That’s what she nicknamed them on her Alpha album, and since then, it has become the perfect term for many to refer to their group of friends.
«I want to dance twerking all night with Las Babys. I want to toast to a love that never was,» says Aitana in the song. The Catalan artist shows that she only needs her group of friends to enjoy and feel good.
Zorra («Vixen»)
One of the latest words to join this list is «Zorra.» The word is undergoing a redefinition (at least for a portion of the population) thanks to the song by the Spanish band Nebulossa. The duo, representing Spain in the Eurovision Festival in 2024, had a clear intention: to create an anthem of empowerment and personal advocacy against all the labels and judgments. The lyrics address how society judges all women’s behaviors.
«It’s a way to redefine the word. It’s also how I have felt at times because of my personal situation. Being a person of a certain age, my personal situation has often made me feel rejected, discriminated against, and humiliated,» said the singer.
Original article by Alberto Palao on LOS40.com