El Rancho del Corazón
Appendix 2: Definition of Terms
DEFINITIONS: Describing the relationships of each of the characters is complicated, especially as they have moved into more permanent relationships. Therefore, they have developed the following terms to describe the group. Although most of the terms are Spanish in origin, the group uses their own rules and does not distinguish between singular and plural or between male and female. For example, compañera may refer to either a boyfriend or a girlfriend, or to all a boy’s girlfriends. Since the terms are used commonly, they are not italicized like foreign words would be.
Tribe—the entire extended family, mostly referring to the parents and siblings of those in the agreement.
Clan—the group of all those who have signed the clan charter or extended agreement.
Cousin—any member of the clan.
Casa—household. The cast below is listed by casa.
Hearthmates—members of a given casa.
Cónyuge—spouse or mate; those hearthmates considered in a long-term, intimate relationship within the casa.
Novia—fiancé or fiancée (not distinguished by gender); those intending to enter into a long-term intimate relationship with each other but who aren’t quite there yet or who want a handfasting ceremony first.
Compañera—a girlfriend or boyfriend (not gender specific); within the casa, often synonymous with hearthmate.
Amiga—man or woman of a different casa that is intimate with another.
Patrón—the leader of the clan or clan chief. It is not an elected position. The clan simply recognizes Brian’s leadership.
Matrón—the female leader of the clan or clan queen. Like Patrón, it is not an elected position. Rose has apparently risen to this position within the clan.
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