Quinqui jargon
(Redirected from
Merchero
)Quinqui | |
---|---|
Native to | Spain |
Region | Edges of towns |
Language codes | |
ISO 639-3 | quq |
Glottolog | quin1236 |
Quinqui jargon is associated with quincalleros (an itinerant group), semi-nomadic people who live mainly in the northern half of Spain. They prefer to be called mercheros. They are reduced in number and possibly vanishing as a distinct group.
The language is based on gitanos.
Scholars have many theories about the social origins of mercheros, summarized as the following:
- Descendants of mechanical workers who arrived in Spain from central Europe in the 16th century;
- Descendants of peasants who lost their land in the 16th century;
- Descendants of intermarriage between the Roma and non-Roma populations;
- Descendants of Muslims who became nomads after the expulsion in the 15th century to escape persecution; and/or
- A mixture of the above.
Notable mercheros
- El Lute(born 1942). A petty thief in his early life, he was convicted of armed robbery and murder; after escaping from prison, he was listed among Spain's "Most Wanted" criminals by the Spanish police. Later he earned a law degree and wrote five books. He was pardoned at age 39.
See also
- Caló (Spanish Romani)
- Yeniche people
- Sarakatsani
- Gacería
- Irish Travellers
- Vaqueiros de alzada
References