de la madrid hurtado
Low (outside Mexican/Spanish-language historical/political contexts)Formal, Historical, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The surname of Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado (1934-2012), the 52nd President of Mexico (1982-1988), during a period of economic crisis.
Used to refer to that specific presidential administration, its policies (particularly during the Latin American debt crisis), or to members of the de la Madrid family. In Mexican context, can serve as a historical reference point.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a proper noun (a full Spanish surname). In English texts, it is typically used untranslated as a referent to the person or his presidency. Not a common lexical item in general English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant linguistic differences in usage. Recognition likely higher in US media/contexts due to geographical proximity and coverage of Latin American affairs.
Connotations
Informed historical/political discourse; may carry connotations of economic austerity, the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, or the PRI's political dominance in Mexico.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both varieties. Appears almost exclusively in historical, political, or biographical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[President] de la Madrid Hurtado [verb]during the [de la Madrid Hurtado] administrationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in historical analyses of Mexico's debt crisis or economic liberalisation.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and Latin American studies contexts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday English conversation outside specific communities.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The de la Madrid years were difficult.
American English
- de la Madrid-era policies
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado was a president of Mexico.
- He was president in the 1980s.
- The presidency of Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado coincided with a severe economic crisis in Mexico.
- De la Madrid succeeded José López Portillo.
- Historians often critique the de la Madrid Hurtado administration for its handling of the 1985 earthquake and its adherence to austerity measures dictated by the IMF.
- The economic liberalisation initiated under de la Madrid paved the way for NAFTA.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'De la' (of the) 'Madrid' (like the city) 'Hurtado' (sounds like 'hurried to' office). A president who hurried to deal with a crisis.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NAME AS A HISTORICAL PERIOD: The name is used metonymically to represent the events and policies of his six-year term.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate the Spanish articles 'de la' ('of the') or attempt to Russify 'Hurtado'.
- Treat it as a single, foreign proper name.
- Do not confuse with the city of Madrid; it is a surname.
Common Mistakes
- Omitting parts of the surname (e.g., 'President Madrid')
- Incorrect capitalisation (e.g., 'De La Madrid')
- Mispronouncing 'Hurtado' with a strong English /eɪ/ instead of /ɑː/.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'de la Madrid Hurtado' primarily associated with?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a Spanish proper name (surname) that appears in English-language texts referring to the historical figure.
In formal writing, use the full name on first reference. Subsequently, 'de la Madrid', 'President de la Madrid', or just 'he' is acceptable.
In Anglicised pronunciation: /hərˈtɑːdoʊ/ (hur-TAH-doh). The Spanish pronunciation is closer to /urˈtaðo/.
Proper names of significant historical figures often appear in learner's dictionaries as cultural references that students may encounter in texts.