Ayudante

/ˌɑːjuːˈdɑːnteɪ/ noun

Definition

A Spanish or Spanish-American military officer's assistant or aide-de-camp, or more generally a helper or assistant.

Etymology

From Spanish 'ayudante' (helper), derived from Latin 'adjutans' (helping), from 'adjutare' meaning to help or assist; directly borrowed from Spanish into English military terminology.

Kelly Says

The Spanish military borrowed 'ayudante' from Latin centuries ago, and it traveled to the Americas with conquistadors—today it's embedded in Spanish-language military hierarchies throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Spanish occupational noun defaulting to masculine form (ayudante/ayudanta); gendered inflection reflects historical male dominance in formal administrative and military assistant roles.

Inclusive Usage

Use person's stated gender form or default to gender-neutral plural 'ayudantes'; in English contexts, use 'assistant' or 'aide' without gendered suffix.

Inclusive Alternatives

["assistant","aide","helper"]

Empowerment Note

Women have served as ayudantes and administrative assistants throughout Spanish colonial and modern history; language standardization erased their presence by defaulting to masculine.

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