marielito: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialist/Historical/Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “marielito” mean?
A Cuban citizen who left Cuba during the 1980 Mariel boatlift to the United States.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Cuban citizen who left Cuba during the 1980 Mariel boatlift to the United States.
Specifically refers to one of the approximately 125,000 Cubans who emigrated from the port of Mariel to the US in 1980. The term sometimes carries historical and political connotations related to that specific exodus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively used in an American context, given the US was the primary destination. British English would likely only encounter it in historical or political discussions about US-Cuban relations.
Connotations
In US usage, it can be neutral (historical descriptor) or negative (associated with the small number of criminals and mentally ill persons Castro included among the refugees). In UK usage, it is primarily a distant historical reference.
Frequency
Extremely rare in UK English. Low frequency and context-dependent in US English, primarily in historical, political, or Floridian regional discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “marielito” in a Sentence
[be] a Marielito[describe/identify as] a Marielitothe Marielito [exodus/community/crisis]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marielito” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The documentary examined the Marielito experience from a European perspective.
American English
- The Marielito community in Miami has a distinct history within the Cuban-American population.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, and political science papers discussing Cuban migration or US immigration policy in the late 20th century.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside communities in South Florida with direct ties to the event.
Technical
Used in specific US immigration law and historical documentation referencing the 'Mariel Cuban Entrant' status.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marielito”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “marielito”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marielito”
- Using it to refer to any Cuban-American. Confusing it with 'Balsero'. Incorrect plural: 'marielitoes' (correct: 'marielitos').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a historical descriptor. While neutral in academic use, it acquired some negative connotations in the 1980s due to media focus on criminals Castro sent with the refugees. Many who emigrated at that time prefer 'Mariel refugee'.
No. Cubans who emigrated in the 1990s, often on rafts, are commonly referred to as 'Balseros' (rafters). 'Marielito' is exclusive to the 1980 event.
No, it has very low frequency. It is mostly found in historical texts, specialised discussions of immigration, or in the specific regional context of South Florida.
The correct plural is 'marielitos', following the Spanish convention for words ending in a vowel. The anglicised plural 'marielitoes' is sometimes seen but is non-standard.
A Cuban citizen who left Cuba during the 1980 Mariel boatlift to the United States.
Marielito is usually specialist/historical/journalistic in register.
Marielito: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːrɪəˈliːtəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːriəˈliːtoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Children of the Mariel”
- “Mariel generation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Mariel' (the port) + '-ito' (a Spanish diminutive suffix often used for people from a place). A 'little person from Mariel' who left in the big boatlift.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORICAL EVENT AS A LABEL (The event brands its participants).
Practice
Quiz
What does the term 'Marielito' specifically refer to?