BellaOnline Forums Travel and Culture Hispanic Culture Chinos and Chinas

Okay I am confused with these words. I am not Asian but when I go to Latin America they call me chinita. Now when you are called "chino" does it mean the people really think you must be Asian or can it be used for people they don't necessarily think are Asian but kind of have an Asian "look?" Like Charles Bronson, Bjork, or even America Ferrera (Ugly Betty). America doesn't look Asian to me but she does have Asiatic eyes.

So I'm wondering when they call me "china," do they really think I'm an Asian by blood or just someone who may have an Asian characteristic regardless of my race?

Yes, generally "chinita" is used as an affectionate nickname for someone who has Asian features. The nickname can be used for Latinos and non-Latinos alike.