In Mexico we like to add a lot of cream to our tacos when it comes to giving life to the language we use daily, using popular sayings. And the use of phrases with animals are common, such as walking with a dog’s paw or throwing a coyotito.
Here we tell you the origin of such an original phrase.
Take a coyotito or a nap
First, it must be clarified that taking a coyotito means taking a nap, that is, sleeping about 20 minutes after lunch, dinner or in the afternoon.
Secondly, many point out that the phrase arises from the observation of coyotes (canis latrans), carnivorous mammals that inhabit practically the entire American continent. They are similar to the wolf but smaller, with yellowish gray fur.
Curiously, the word coyote comes from the Nahuatl coyotl What does howling dog mean?
Next, these animals are nocturnal, they usually take several naps during the day, becoming active at night, when they go hunting.
It seems that in the past when people were about to take a nap, they were told to “lay down like a little coyotito.” However, over time the phrase was modified until it became as we know it today.
Finally, we use the diminutive of coyote because naps are generally short or short. Not to mention that we Mexicans speak using many diminutives, and we love it!
Benefits of throwing a coyotito
Since we are talking about coyotitos or naps, health experts recommend that they last between 10 and 20 minutes; and that they be taken before 3:00 p.m., so as not to interfere with night sleep.
You did not know? Here are some of the benefits of naps for healthy adults:
- Relaxation.
- Less fatigue.
- A more intense state of alert.
- Mood improvement.
- Performance is also increased.
Take note, throwing yourself a coyotito is good for your health. You already know and there is no excuse!