The word “YUMA” is already as Cuban as “asere qué bolá.” It has become so deeply rooted within our popular vocabulary that any islander knows its meaning and in what context to use it. However…
What does “Yuma” mean in Cuba?
Globally, in Cuba, the word “yuma” alludes to people living outside the island, and it also refers to the United States as a country. Let’s break it down to understand it step by step.
Cubans living on the island use the term “yumas” to refer to any foreigner they see on their streets, regardless of whether they are from the United States, Spain, France, or Argentina. On the other hand, Cubans living in the United States also use the term “yumas,” and it can also be applicable to islanders residing abroad beyond the United States. ✈
[sc name=”art-cubanos” ][/sc]Examples of the use of Yuma for Cubans
1- “Maria married a ‘yuma’ and moved to Spain with him.” In this case, they refer to a Spanish person as ‘yuma,’ as he went to Cuba and married Maria.
2- “Roberto got his visa, and he’s moving to live with his dad in ‘la Yuma’.” In this case, they allude to the United States as ‘la Yuma’ since Roberto received a visa for that country.
3- “Living in ‘la Yuma’ is the best, but I miss my people from Cuba.” Cubans living in the United States also nickname that northern nation as ‘la Yuma.’
Origin of the word Yuma for Cubans
Regarding the origin of the use of the word “yuma” by Cubans, there is no official version, only hypotheses and possible coincidences.
The first hypothesis is connected to a movie called “3:10 to Yuma,” a film released in 1957, a classic of the old west of this northern nation. In fact, Yuma is a highly hot city located in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona.
Another theory refers to the origin of “yuma” from “yunai,” a deformation of the word “United” from the United States of America. It’s a “Spanish” and “Cuban” way of pronouncing “United” (yunait). 🇺🇸
In the years before the 1959 revolution, there was an American company called the “United Fruit Company.” During those years, the term “yunai” was already heard in the streets of Cuba, possibly as a nickname for this company belonging to the United States.
“Yuma” also makes an appearance in many Cuban musical compositions, where this nickname is commonly used to refer to the United States in a popular manner. An example of this use of “Yuma” in Cuban music is the song titled “Yunai,” performed by El Chacal and Chocolate MC.
Also, as we explained earlier, the word “Yuma” can be used to refer to foreigners visiting Cuba. In this context, we present the song titled “Yunai Yunia, a ti te gustan los Yumas,” performed by the now-disbanded group Calle35.
The word “yuma” is already a part of our dictionary, and I believe it will remain there forever. Undoubtedly, it will continue to transcend from generation to generation.
The deep roots of this word are evident as your magazine takes “Yuma” as its protagonist. You call yourselves “¡Qué bolá Yuma!” which reflects the enduring cultural significance of the term.
