Galopino

[poli]

Does it mean assistant. Is it Mexico specific?

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

I have only heard it in feminine, "galopina". In Mexico it's the person responsible for cleaning up tables, dishes and the kitchen in a restaurant. The DRAE says the masculine word is "galopín (http://forums.tomisimo.org/galopín)", and that in Spain it's called "galopillo (http://lema.rae.es/drae/?val=galopillo)".

By the way, The Free Dictionary lists "gallopin (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gallopin)" as the equivalent in English. :eek:

[poli]

In English, as you know, galopin is not used. You will hear the term busboy, or busser or heaven help us, bus person:D

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

That's why I was surprised, but yes, I think "bus person" ;) is the kind of job a "galopina" does. :D

[poli]

Just a curious cultural note:
Bussers in USA are almost exclusively men, at least the part of the US I'm from.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

In Mexico busboys are called "garroteros".
"Galopinas" are more in the kitchen and "garroteros" work more around the tables. :)