noun
- Young Mexican-American men, especially in the 1940sā1950s, who adopted a distinctive style of dress, speech, and behavior; members of a youth subculture associated with urban areas in the southwestern United States.
Usage: plural of pachuco; historical; cultural term; often used in historical and sociological contexts
Examples
- The pachucos of Los Angeles were known for their zoot suits and distinctive slang.
- During the 1940s, pachucos became a visible presence in southwestern cities.
- The Zoot Suit Riots involved conflicts between servicemen and pachucos in 1943.
- Historians study pachucos as an important part of Mexican-American cultural history.
- The pachuco subculture influenced music, fashion, and language in the region.