I am not a ‘no sabo kid.’

I am not a ‘no sabo kid.’

By Bridgette Estrada, October 13, 2026 Growing up, I was taught by my mom, tias and teachers that speaking two languages was an advantage. I could speak English at school and Spanish at home. I learned to navigate two languages and, with them, two cultures.  Somewhere along the way, however, speaking two languages began to feel more like a burden.  First-generation Mexican Americans whose Spanish is imperfect are increasingly reduced to a label:…

‘No sabo’ is no longer a divider but a unifier

“No sabo” is a derogatory term used toward Hispanics and Latinos who do not speak fluent or proper Spanish. “Sabo” derives from the word “Saber,” which means “to know.” The phrase is commonly used among Latino Americans to shame or make fun of someone who doesn’t fully fit the description of a fluent-speaking Hispanic or Latino.  James: I am the youngest of four siblings. Both of my parents were born and raised in Guerrero, Mexico, in a small pu…