Title: The Rise of the 'Fodechinchos': A Cultural Clash in Spain

In Spain, a new term has emerged to describe a certain type of tourist: the "fodechinchos." This term, coined by Galician educator Miguel Vega, refers to visitors from Madrid who are perceived as disrespectful to local customs and traditions. Fodechinchos are often criticized for their demands for free tapas, a practice common in Andalucía but not in Galicia, and for their complaints about local signage in Galego, which is generally understandable to Spanish speakers. The bar O Kan de Mera in A Coruña has taken a stand against this behavior, posting a sign that humorously declares its establishment free of fodechinchos. Social media users have echoed these sentiments, with one user describing fodechinchos as loud, shellfish-stealing tourists who boast about Madrid while simultaneously escaping to other regions. The term itself has historical roots, originating from a fishing practice that involved netting small fish, which eventually led to the exploitation of local resources by greedy visitors. The disdain for madrileños is not unique to Galicia; it resonates across various regions in Spain. For instance, Cantabrians express their frustration with Basque visitors, while Catalans are sometimes derogatorily referred to as "polacos" due to language barriers. In Navarra, tourists from the Basque Country are labeled "robasetas," or mushroom thieves. This cultural tension highlights the complex dynamics of regional identities and the often humorous, yet pointed, critiques of outsiders in Spain.