Galopino

Galopino
 

Does it mean assistant. Is it Mexico specific?

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", and that in Spain it's called "galopillo".

By the way, The Free Dictionary lists "gallopin" as the equivalent in English. :eek:

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

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

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

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