Production — that is true production — this country does not produce, but in the matter of being creative with language, we are champions. Psychologists are at the head of the invention of words, as if our language were sparing of synonyms. The bureaucracy cannot be more creative with abbreviations, but the press, the press has specialized in euphemisms. I invite you to add words to this incipient list.
Newspeak / real meaning
jinetera (jocky) = female prostitute
pinguero (penis provider) = male prostitute
to struggle = to steal
diversion of resources = embezzlement
missing = misappropriation
extractions = evictions
physical disappearance = important death
self-employed = private worker
factors = participants
internationalism = Cuban participation in other countries’ issues
interference = foreign countries’ participation in other countries’ issues
temporary facilities = ¿housing?
semi-bus = truck used to carry passengers
modernization = leave me alone and go play somewhere else
Translated by mlk.
11 March 2014
