mara
Definition
In Central American slang (caliche), a street gang or criminal group, especially notorious ones like Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
Originally referred to a tight-knit clique or group of friends, but evolved to denote organized delinquent groups.
Examples
Mi primo se unió a la mara del barrio para verse rudo, pero ahora solo vigila gatos callejeros.
My cousin joined the neighborhood gang to look tough, but now he just watches stray cats.
La mara local presume de tattoos épicos, aunque parecen dibujos de un niño con crayones.
The local gang brags about epic tattoos, though they look like a kid's crayon drawings.
Evita la mara de la esquina; sus fiestas terminan con más sirenas que confeti.
Steer clear of the corner gang; their parties end with more sirens than confetti.
En el barrio dicen que la mara manda, pero pierden contra el equipo de abuelitas en dominós.
They say the gang runs the neighborhood, but they lose to the grannies' dominoes team.
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