The History and Meaning of Yanqui: A Term of European Descent in Latin America

Yanqui is a term that was historically used in Latin America to refer to people of European descent, particularly those of Spanish or Portuguese ancestry. The word is derived from the Quechua language, which was spoken by the Inca Empire in Peru and other parts of South America before the arrival of Spanish colonizers. In Quechua, "yanqui" means "white" or "fair-skinned."

The term yanqui was originally used by indigenous peoples in Latin America to refer to the Spanish conquistadors and colonizers who arrived in the 16th century. Over time, the term came to be applied more broadly to people of European descent, regardless of their nationality. In some countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay, the term yanqui is still used to refer to people of European ancestry, while in other countries, such as Mexico and Peru, it has negative connotations and is often used to refer to foreigners or outsiders.

In the United States, the term yanqui is not commonly used, and the word "gringo" is more commonly used to refer to foreigners or non-Hispanic Americans. However, in some parts of Latin America, the term yanqui is still used to refer to Americans, particularly those who are of European descent.