A woman or girl from a Latino cultural background, especially in the southwestern United States; originally a derogatory term that has been reclaimed.
From Spanish 'chola' (feminine of 'cholo'), with Nahuatl/indigenous roots. The term has a complex history, originally marking mixed ethnicity or lower class status in Spanish colonial systems, but has evolved with different meanings across regions and generations.
The word 'chola' is a perfect example of how marginalized communities transform insults into identity: what started as a slur became a bold statement of cultural pride and belonging, completely changing its power in the community that uses it.
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