Foreign Word of the Day: Ahorita

There are words we need to borrow from other languages.  From Spanish, that word of the day is “ahorita”.  “Ahorita” is in interesting word.  It is a diminutive form of “ahora”, the adverb meaning “now”.  “Ahorita” is a colloquial term, never used in formal speech.  On the surface, it means “now” or immediately”.  However, depending on which part of Latin America, and how it is said, the meanings of “ahorita” are contradictory.  It can either mean, right now, as in right this second; or just a little bit ago; or in a little bit, or anytime between 5 minutes and a couple of hours; or in an indeterminate amount of time, likely never. 

“Ahorita” is a word that still existent in Mexican Spanish, long after it has ceased to be found in Standard Spanish.  It is also used in Honduras, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and in part of the Southern United States.