As a social type, the compadrito emerged in the mid-19th century in the River Plate area.
Compadrito is the diminutive of compadre , a term that comes from the Latin word compăter . The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) recognizes several meanings of both concepts.
A compadre is called, in a broad sense, a friend or someone who fulfills a protective or mentoring function. The godfather of confirmation or baptism of an individual's descendant and the father of the godson are also called compadre.
Despite these meanings, it is important to keep in mind that the notion of compadrito is associated with issues or values almost opposite to those mentioned. The idea was developed in the mid- 19th century in the Río del Plata area and is still often used in Uruguay and Argentina .
Emergence of the concept
Uruguayans and Argentines, in this way, appeal to the word compadrito to name a subject who is feisty, aggressive and presumptuous . By extension, what is typical of this type of people (a habit , a custom , etc.) is qualified in this way.
It can be indicated that, in the River Plate region, the compadrito emerged as part of a social typification. The compadritos, in this framework, were those who descended from the gauchos but, unlike their parents or grandparents, they lived in the suburbs of the cities and not in rural areas . Therefore this name is associated with the advance of urbanization .
Although the term compadre is associated with camaraderie, affection and solidarity , the meaning of compadrito is different. First he linked himself to the Creoles of the suburbs and then, due to a combination of historical issues and prejudices, he began to point out those who were quarrelsome . This has to do with the fact that the original compadritos were cuarteadores or butchers who used to work for political leaders as a shock force or as guards .
The figure of the compadrito appears frequently in tango.
Characteristics of a compadrito
Today a compadrito is the one who shows a tendency towards aggression . It can be said that this is someone who enjoys conflict and fighting, being provocative and petulant .
The compadrito shows off his bravery and courage. That is why he does not hesitate to offend or offend the other: if confrontation breaks out, he is willing to prevail through violence .
There is, however, a derogatory connotation in the meaning. It is often considered that the compadrito exaggerates his value and adopts a position that he is not willing to maintain when responded to or confronted.
The notion in tango and literature
In many tangos we can find mention of the compadrito. It even appears in the title of "Bailarín compadrito" , with lyrics and music by Miguel Bucino and interpretation, among others, by Carlos Gardel . In "El choclo" , another very famous composition, it is used as an adjective : said tango, according to its own lyrics, is "mocking and compadrito" .
Various stories and poems by the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges , meanwhile, appeal to the figure of the compadrito. An example of Borges 's interest in this social type and its behaviors is his poem "Los compadritos muerte" .