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Glite Dictionary
to Mexicanize

to Mexicanize

8.1
To make something more Mexican in style or culture
  • verb
  • /ˈmɛksɪkənaɪz/
: mexicanizar
  • The chef decided to Mexicanize the menu by adding traditional dishes like tacos and enchiladas.

Examples

  • Critics and fans selectively Mexicanized Hollywood via stars like Ramón Novarro, framing them as positive emissaries of the nation.

    Academic text (2017)

  • Of equal importance, the Spanish expeditionary units were Mexicanized through local recruitment and through the potentially dangerous practice of accepting large numbers of amnestied insurgents directly into the regular regiments.

    Academic text (1990)

  • While Hollywood might be partially Mexicanized in the abstract or from a distance, critics still perceived its pull as a moral and cultural threat to youth.

    Academic text (2017)

  • To celebrate her heritage, she wanted to Mexicanize her wedding with colorful decorations and traditional music.

  • Many restaurants in the area have begun to Mexicanize their cuisine by incorporating spicy salsas and fresh cilantro.

Surface Forms

Mexicanize infinitive
Mexicanized past
Mexicanized past participle
Mexicanizing present participle
Mexicanizes third person singular

Morphology

Mexicanize = Mexican (transparent) = Mexican + ize

Clearly formed from the adjective 'Mexican' + the productive verb-forming suffix '-ize', meaning 'to make or become Mexican'.

Etymology

Mexicanize comes from Mexican, meaning from Mexico, plus the ending -ize, which means 'to make'. So to Mexicanize something is to 'make' it more Mexican in style, feel, or influence.