A pollerudo is subdued by his wife.
Pollerudo is a notion linked to the term pollera , which is used to name the skirt (a female clothing item that covers part or all of the legs). This adjective , in its literal sense, refers to the dress whose skirt is very large or extensive .
For example: “I don't want to wear something so skirty, I prefer a simpler dress,” “The model surprised with her skirty look, which completely hid her legs.”
Symbolic use of the notion of pollerudo
The most common use of the concept, however, is symbolic . A man who is submissive to certain women , such as his wife or mother, is known as a pollerudo. The adjective, in this context, is used in a derogatory way , almost offending the subject: “Are we going to the bar tonight? I hope you are not a pollerudo and accept my proposal” , “Agustín is a pollerudo, he always asks his wife for permission before making a decision” , “I am not planning to marry a pollerudo who lives dependent on what his mother says” .
In these cases, the classification of pollerudo draws a comparison between the child who hides between his mother 's skirts in search of protection and the adult who needs the approval of a woman to act.
The pollerudo simply abides by what his wife tells him.
The analysis of psychologists and sociologists
Psychologists and sociologists analyze the topic in different ways. On the one hand, the adjective pollerudo is associated with an obsolete conception of masculinity , when the man was the one in charge in the house and left no room for the woman. Accusing someone of being a pollerudo, in this sense, is an attempt to return to machismo . Seen another way, modern men usually establish relationships with women that are more egalitarian than those of yesteryear, accepting the female point of view, although unfortunately this is not true in all cases.
In the most extreme cases, however, a person who always submits to the command or will of another demonstrates some type of psychological disorder that threatens their individuality.
Although the term pollerudo is not used in all Spanish-speaking countries, given that in some the feminine garment called pollera is called skirt, its meaning finds other signifiers, such as calzonazos, maridazo, mameluco and Juan Lanas (as a curious fact, some claim that the latter is based on someone who really existed).
Although at first glance being pollerudo may seem like something negative, a lack of self-esteem or the impossibility of making decisions and defending them before one's partner or mother, many men support this way of being and justify it by ensuring that when there is a lot to lose it is preferable to submit. to the woman's decision rather than risk her leaving. In fact, these same men have no problem being described as pollerudos, since they feel lucky to have such an "exceptional" partner.
The pollerudo according to Gabrielli
According to an Argentine lawyer named Mario Gabrielli , these are some of the most common characteristics of pollerudos in his country, in relationships :
- He is accountable to his wife for everything he does and the places he goes.
- He refers to his wife with terms such as "witch" or "patroness."
- Before spending money on something he likes, he asks for your approval, as if he were a child.
- He is susceptible to his wife's threats of abandonment, which systematically appear every time he does not do what she wants.
- Despite not feeling free to use money on his own whims, he justifies his wife's unnecessary expenses.
- He accompanies her to all her outings and commitments, even when she knows she will be bored or not feel comfortable.
- He dresses as she tells him, against his own will .
- If she wants to change the car to show it off in front of her friends, he agrees.