- the diminutive form of the spanish meaning is likely a result of amelioration. The non-diminutive form of the term can be used to mean ‘stupid’ or ‘idiot’, so by applying the diminutive ending the word tends to have a positive connotation (which is especially important when being used with young children). This term is likely chosen over other terms like ‘silly’ or ‘dummy’ since it can never really have a negative connotation and can imply forgetfulness.
Mensito
adjective; other word formation type Borrowing (Loan Word)
dummy; silly (can be used to imply being forgetful)
Etymology : this spanish word comes from the diminutive form of the ‘menso’(dumb). In effect, the meaning becomes “little dumb or forgetful (person)”.
Source : While my family was gathered around the table having a nice dinner during the thanksgiving holiday, one of my aunt’s asked my cousin to go get a pie from the car. My cousin went to the car and came back with some napkins and his backpack. After noticing that he had forgotten the pie, my (other) cousin said to him, “you are such a mensito, I’ll go get the pie.” (Conversation. November, 2018) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mensito http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/menso
Last modified: 10 December 2018