Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Wetback

//ˈwɛtbæk// noun, slang

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A Mexican or Central American who illegally enters the United States of America from its southern border. derogatory, slang

    "1920, Temporary admission of illiterate Mexican laborers: Hearings before the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization, House of Representatives, 66th Congress, 2nd Session, p. 141, Mr. HUDSPETH. […] I stood here and did all in my power to keep the “wetback” […] from coming across. And I stand here to-day asking for that. The CHAIRMAN. […] What is a “wetback”? Mr. HUDSPETH. You have heard a “wetback” described; he is a fellow that crosses the river surreptitiously."

  2. 2
    (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Mexican descent wordnet
  3. 3
    A person of the mestizo race; a mojado. derogatory, slang

Etymology

First used in the 1920s from the presumed effects of swimming or wading across the Rio Grande. Used by the U.S. Government in 1954 with Operation Wetback.

See also for "wetback"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: wetback