Hi, people always assume I am hispanic. They speak to me in spanish and when I don't respond they get pissy.

Question

I was wondering whether its a positive thing or not? I am from england, Half indian and half white. My husband is white.

Answer 1

Just say "Oh I'm English actually" in your English accent :)

Answer 2

Just say No Habla Ingles! Whats the big deal.
I am German and Irish (American) and when I go to Miami, the Cubans speak to me in Spanish. There are brown, black and white hispanics.
I don't believe they would be pissy, that has never happened to me. I am not calling you a liar, but I have had hundreds of experiences like this and not once did anybody have a problem with me. I speak a little Spanish, that may help, but I don't think it has anything to do with it.
Also, I speak Spanish probably on a Kindergarten or first grade level, and I have never received anything but support for at least trying to learn, they get a kick out of me, smile and try to help me out.

Answer 3

If they're getting pissy, that's on them, not you. Politely tell them you speak English, not Spanish. If they look at you blankly, with an odd look, etc, then say "No hablo Espanol". Don't worry about saying it right either. They'll get the meaning regardless. My ex-step-father had this problem. He's Israelian, from Tel-Aviv, & his skin would darken in the sun. He was constantly being approached by Hispanics or others who spoke Spanish. He started saying the No hablo thing & it worked wonders.

Answer 4

People assume I'm either mid-eastern or hispanic because of my olive complexion and dark hair and eyes, but I am totally white. Part native-american and Indian. I have the same problem sometimes...this white guy even came up to me the other day and goes "hollaaaa" I was like UHH I speak English-ahah! :)

Answer 5

That happens to me a lot, but I do not find that people get "pissy" as you say. I just smile and politely say I don't speak Spanish. I have not found people to be rude or "pissy" as you say. Not responding to someone is rude. Perhaps they feel you are being "pissy" when you do not respond.

Answer 6

I get that alot too . I just tell them in english that I don't speak spanish. Only because I made the mistake of telling some ladys that in spanish and they wouldn't believe me after that. nor did they shut up. I had to get in my car and leave. I wonder what they where saying? So just speak english and don't worry about mistaken identity.
not a big deal.

Answer 7

My daughter has this happen to her all the time too. She is Italian. She learned a few phrases like "I'm not Hispanic" And "I am Italian, sorry" That seemed to help. They didn't get so pissy and offended as much. Good luck.

Answer 8

i know what you mean. I am half white and half indian and live in Mexico and everyone here thinks I am Mexcian.
For a while I had a t-shirt that said i am not Mexcian on the front and i do speak English on the back....

Answer 9

It doesn't matter...there's nothing wrong with Hispanics and there's nothing wrong with being a combo of Indian and white. Simply respond that you don't speak Spanish (No hablo espanol) and move on with your life!

Answer 10

It would be in my opinion highly annoying. I can't seem to find Indian/white persons like yourself constantly getting confused for a Spanish person. Maybe it's just me...

Answer 11

I dont understand what you are asking is positive or negative. I think its very assuming on their part speaking to you in spanish when they dont know you. I guess I would have to see you to know why you have had this happen so much.