The adjective casquivana is used to describe a person who leads a free sexual life , without being tied to formal ties or commitments. The notion also applies to those who act irresponsibly or foolishly and to what is a consequence of that type of behavior.
For example: “When I was young I was a lazy person, until I met Adrián and got married” , “My son is a lazy person who lives a party ” , “This city has had a lazy history from the moment it was founded” .
The concept is generally dedicated to women . However, the type of behavior to which its meaning alludes is also developed by members of the male gender. That is why there are sexologists who warn about the machismo implicit in associating the idea of casquivana only with female sexuality.
Unfortunately, machismo in our language can be seen in too many cases, both in the use of certain words that despise women in an almost arbitrary way and in the obligation imposed on us to use some words in the masculine gender even when we wish to refer to women. female people.
Sexuality is an especially controversial topic for modern societies, however contradictory it may seem, and when the protagonists are women or homosexuals it becomes even more difficult terrain. While the heterosexual man is allowed to lead the life he wishes with regard to the use of his body, impeccable conduct is expected from the heterosexual woman, which begins with respect for virginity until marriage and continues with the extreme fidelity in marriage.
From such a closed point of view, there seems to be no room for a free sexual life , outside the scope of marriage, with more than one person. And it is precisely when women cross that line to make full use of their bodies that public opinion throws traditions at them and harshly criticizes them. When a man has sexual relations with several women, on the other hand, his environment celebrates his behavior .
In short, we can say that the adjective casquivano / a serves to describe a way of living sexuality that, according to the point of view, may seem like a lack of responsibility or commitment, but which can also be perfectly acceptable for people who understand life in another way, more modern and without so many structures when it comes to physical contact.
It can be said that a reckless individual chooses to maintain intimate relationships according to his desires, without formalizing the bond with his partner. That is to say: you do not need to establish a courtship or marriage to enjoy your sexuality with another person. The lazy person, in this framework, is one who seeks to enjoy the moment without planning the future and without acquiring obligations.
Beyond sexuality, the term casquivana can refer to someone who seeks fun and has no intention of assuming responsibilities . A young man who goes out partying every night, does not formalize any sentimental ties and does not work since he lives off the inheritance his parents left him can be described as slacker.
One of the expressions associated with this concept, which according to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy can be used as a synonym, is the colloquial adjective phrase "happy with helmets " (instead of "happy" "bored" is also accepted); Its meaning is "of little reflection, of little sitting." If we focus specifically on the term "casquivana", in the feminine gender and with the aforementioned macho undertones, we find the synonyms frivolous, flirtatious and light , as well as the antonym puritan .