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Caarina12

Aug 11, 2005, 8:45 AM

Post #1 of 6 (2589 views)

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Using diminuative (-ito, cito, illo etc.)--In moderation

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After reading the posts about using the diminuative forms (toma una tequilita mientras lees...) of nouns, I had a discussion with my Mexican husband about this practice.

His opinion is that the the using the diminuative has its place, but many people overuse it to the point it becomes ridiculous. He wasn't saying that it's not appropriate at times, but the people overuse this to the extreme. (Think, "ay mi hijita, porfavorcito dame un cafecito.") After hearing some pretty bad examples, I have to agree with him.

I try to monitor my language now because I do have an acquaintance who REALLY overdoes it, and I think it's like the cold... it's contagious.

Caarina

BrentB

Aug 11, 2005, 6:24 PM

Post #2 of 6 (2571 views)

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Re: [Caarina12] Using diminuative (-ito, cito, illo etc.)--In moderation

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You are so right, we gringos super-size everything! We know how to speak. I think that though the dimunitive may be over used in Mexico, it sounds polite and undemanding to my ears, and, depending on who is speaking, even romantic.

Brent

DoDi2

Aug 16, 2005, 12:37 PM

Post #3 of 6 (2536 views)

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Re: [Caarina12] Using diminuative (-ito, cito, illo etc.)--In moderation

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I live with Mexicans and at the end of meals it's the custom to say 'gracias' to each person out of politeness. The proper response is 'provecho', but at our house we like to joke around so sometimes we say 'provechito, provechito!' and crack up laughing.

Marlene

Aug 18, 2005, 9:40 PM

Post #4 of 6 (2503 views)

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Re: [DoDi2] Using diminuative (-ito, cito, illo etc.)--In moderation

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At the END of the meal?

DoDi2

Aug 19, 2005, 10:18 AM

Post #5 of 6 (2489 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Using diminuative (-ito, cito, illo etc.)--In moderation

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Yes, at the end of the meal everyone thanks each person present individually whether they had something to do with preparing the meal or not. Even' if you just happen to be in the vicinity you get thanked. The proper response is 'provecho'.

BrentB

Aug 20, 2005, 7:24 PM

Post #6 of 6 (2459 views)

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Re: [DoDi2] Using diminuative (-ito, cito, illo etc.)--In moderation

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In the old days, really not so old.at the end of the meal, people, especially children stood at the end of the meal,and one by one, crossed their arms on their chests, and said "muchas gracias" while bowing their heads a bit, to everyone singularly. Each person would answer" buen provecho".Now one time only is the tha you part said, but usually answered by all. The arm folding and head bowing has fallen by the wayside too. People used to be much more formal. We were married 5 years before my wife would tutear me.Come to think of it she didn't scold back then either!

Brent