y do people call Mexicans wet backs??

Question

im curious on why do people call mexicans wet backs...lol.. if they didnt swim the ocean they hopped the boarder ... and every one is an immagrant except the indians they were here first

Answer 1

Since a large group of illegal Mexican immigrants have to cross the Rio Grande River (or other rivers/bodies of water) to gain entry into the US, they have adopted that phrase for 'new illegal immigrant mexicans'. it is VERY offensive to Mexican-American citizens and most racist people know that so...go figure. Here in Texas the term is quite common and is often used by mexican comedians. i.e. A mexican will do this, but a WET BACK will do that!!

The urban dictionary explains it all:
wet back - Originally a nick name for Mexicans greaser, beaner, pepper belly, either legally or illegally in the country. Originated in the American Southwest border states, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Through common usage has come to mean citizens of any nation who have immigrated here illegally.

Answer 2

Wikipedia's version:

WB a Mexican or Central American who is in the United States illegally. The term is based on the presumption that the person in question swam or waded across the Rio Grande to get into the United States, getting their back wet in the process. "WB" may also be used as a blanket term to describe anyone of the Mestizo race, although this is less common and not a proper term as long as they are in the U.S. legally. The English term was first used in 1920s and saw official use by the U.S. Government in 1954 with Operation WB. The Spanish-language translation espalda mojada — or, more tersely, mojado — is used in a similar sense by Hispanic Americans.

Answer 3

It's just a racial slur. They don't always apply to the person that is called that. Some idiot thought it up so another idiot uses it to insult a Mexican person. You're right, not all of them swam to get here and even if they did, no one should be called that.

Answer 4

They call Mexicans "wetbacks" due to the fact that they work so much. They tend to sweat while working hard, it shows on the back of their shirts, and in other areas of their clothing. So their backs are wet with sweat.

Answer 5

Its a racial slur used to "describe" what a Mexican looks like after crossing our borders illegally via a river.

Answer 6

because the english took america with hardwork and gunpowder.. mexicans taking it with a lawnmower and a shovel

Answer 7

because when they cross the river they have to swim face up, so theyre back is getting wet, hence this stupid @ss name made by racist white people...

Answer 8

I've never heard that term used. Then again, I wasn't brought up to be racist.

Answer 9

because their grease hair drips onto their backs. allegedly.