Maricón

This page is about the slur as a reclaimed identity, not as a slur itself. If this word is triggering to you, please be cautious about viewing this page.

Maricón, marica or maraco is a Spanish slur most commonly used against effeminate men in general (whether they are LGBTQIA+ or not) and transfeminine individuals, though it has also been used to refer to many other queer individuals regardless of their identity. It is similar to "f*g" and "p*ssy" in English, and as such, it's been reclaimed by some of its targets.

It's female equivalent is maricona/maraca.

Etymology
Maricón derives from the name María, a symbol of women and a frequent first name in 16th century Spain, century and place in which the term originated. Marica, originally supposed to be the diminutive of the previously mentioned name, caught the same connotation.

History & Revindication
In an important sector of the gay community, at least in Spain, this word is used among some queer individuals themselves without any pejorative burden. Many carry out a reappropriation or claim of «maricón» and other terms with similar connotations, similar to what was done among anglophones regarding the word queer.

It's important to remark that not every lgbt+ man is comfortable with this term, as it can carry trauma with it. It shouldn't be used as an umbrella term unless specified that it's okay with them personally.