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/Sounds like "noh" (as in "note") + "PAH" (as in "park") + "lehs" (as in "let") + "EHN" (as in "egg") + "LAH" (as in "lava") + "FREHN" (as in "fresh") + "teh" (as in "ten")/

Meaning

A colorful Mexican expression for someone who claims to have left their humble origins behind but fails to hide them. Like having nopal cactus on your forehead, everyone can see exactly where you really come from.

Examples

Don't come at me with that story, your roots are showing.

He acts fancy but everyone knows where he came from.

Regional synonyms

A Chicano and northern Mexican backyard cookout tradition: grilled meat, cold beers, and music with the whole crew. More than a meal, it is the weekend institution where the community comes together.