Flaite (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈflajte]) is a Chilean Spanish slang term used to describe aggressive urban youth associated with vulgar habits and criminal behavior.[1] The typical flaite stereotype portrays individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds who may engage in delinquency, travel in groups, and exhibit a distinct dress style similar to chavs. They often enjoy music genres like cumbia and reggaeton.
Flaites typically wear sneakers such as Nike Dunks or other basketball and soccer shoes. They commonly sport short haircuts known as sopaipilla due to their resemblance to the fried pastry, often paired with jockey caps. They tend to accessorize with flashy items, referred to as bling-bling, and favor tightly worn jeans.[2] Individuals from middle to upper socioeconomic backgrounds have adopted the flaite fashion style,[3] wearing baggy jeans, which has led to speculation about the emergence of a subcultural group.[4]
See also[edit]
- Apaçi (Turkey)
- Lad (Australia and New Zealand)
- Chav (UK)
- Negro (Argentina)
- Dres (Poland)
- Gopnik (Russia)
- Maloqueiro (Brazil)
- Low culture
References[edit]
- ^ Roxana Fitch, Jergas de habla hispana, Ed. BookSurge, North Charleston, 2006, p. 56
- ^ (in Spanish) Las Ultimas Noticias Benetton transforma al "flaite" chileno en ícono de la moda
- ^ (in Spanish) Red de Televisión Chilevisión La moda de los "Chilean Flaites"
- ^ Chilenismos : a dictionary and phrasebook for Chilean Spanish by Daniel Joelson Pgs. 4-5