Mexican school

Background

Early 20th century: Violence in Mexico was more closely linked to social conflicts (Mexican Revolution 1910–1920) and political struggles.

1940s–1970s: Rise of drug trafficking linked to marijuana and poppies in rural regions of the north (Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Durango).

1980s: Growth of cocaine trafficking to the US, with Mexico as a strategic corridor.

Emergence of the cartels

The first major groups were the Guadalajara Cartel (1980s), led by Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo.

After its fall, regional cartels emerged: Sinaloa, Juárez, Tijuana, Gulf.

Violence began to escalate over territorial disputes.

War on Drugs

2006: President Felipe Calderón declared a “war on drug trafficking,” sending the army to combat cartels.

Result: increase in armed confrontations, deaths and disappearances.

The fragmentation of large groups gave rise to new, more violent cartels (Los Zetas, CJNG – Jalisco New Generation Cartel).

2010 onwards

The violence spread to more states, affecting the civilian population through kidnappings, extortion, and forced displacement.

Areas such as Tamaulipas, Michoacán and Guerrero became hotbeds of conflict.

At the same time, states such as Yucatán and Querétaro maintained low rates of violence.

Current events (2020–2025)

Mexico experiences chronic violence, with more than 25,000 homicides per year on average.

Problems of corruption, impunity, and territorial control by criminal groups persist.

Even so, large areas of the country remain safe and continue to attract tourism and investment.

Social and cultural impact

A narcoculture has emerged, reflected in music (narcocorridos), series and films.

Many communities organize themselves into self-defense groups to protect themselves.

There is a strong social demand for peace, justice, and an end to impunity.

Classic Words and Idioms

Wow! → Expresses surprise, agreement, or encouragement.

Come on! → Similar to “let’s go” or “yes, that’s fine.”

Chido / Chida → Something good, pretty, great.

Güey / Wey → Friend, person (can be informal or rude, depending on the tone).

No manches → Expresses surprise or disbelief (“seriously!”).

Neta → The truth / sincerely.

Sale → Way of saying “it’s fine” or “ok”.

Chamba → Work.

Chela → Beer.

Lana → Money.

Father / Godfather → Very good, incredible.

What's up! → Informal greeting: "How are you?"

Ahorita → It can mean “right now” or “later”, depending on the context.

Conversation Examples

Common greeting:

“What’s up, dude! How are you?”

“Everything is cool, and you?”

Expressions of surprise:

“No way, that really happened!”

“Wow, that’s cool.”

To say goodbye:

“I’m leaving, I’ll see you later.”

“Take care, dude.”