MEXIQUEÑO, DEFEÑO, CHILANGO: Consolidation of Evolving Mexican Realities in Spanish Lexicography

This article explores the semantic shifts and connotations of denotative terms referring to the residents of Mexico City, as well as their documentation in Spanish lexicography. It examines the influence of extralinguistic factors on the evolution of these meanings. The objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of the semantic development and cultural connotations of the denotative terms mexiqueño, defeño, chilango, and capitalino, along with the principles governing their representation in authoritative Spanish dictionaries and corpora. To achieve this, an etymological, linguistic-cultural, and pragma-semantic analysis of these linguistic units is conducted. The relevance of this article lies in its contributions to linguistics, lexicography, and intercultural studies, as it reveals the mechanisms of interaction between language, society, and institutional norms. Furthermore, the study of the evolution of these denotative terms reflects the processes of language adaptation to socio-political realities. The novelty of this research is evident in its comprehensive comparative analysis of the dynamics of all key nomenclatures for Mexico City residents, taking into account their pragma-semantics and lexicographic documentation. Special attention is given to the contradictions between artificial normativity and natural language development, raising questions about the role of academic institutions in language policy. The findings suggest that changes in dictionaries often lag behind actual usage, highlighting the crucial role of grassroots language practices in solidifying meanings. Future research prospects include the potential application of this approach as a model for studying similar phenomena in other languages.

Mexican Spanish, linguistic unit, denotation, dictionary, ghost word