Canis are a subculture in Spain primarily consisting of young boys who self-identify with the "bad boy" archetype[1]. Canis are stereotypically described as low-class male teenagers who are apolitical and are engaged in crime and other problematic behaviours, like underage drinking, organizing botellones[2], marihuana consumption, dropping out of school to live an "urban" life, or blasting loud music in public, typically Reggaeton or any other music genres from Spanish-speaking countries.
The origins of this subculture date back to the 1990s in the autonomous community of Andalusia, a region located in southern Spain. In fact, Canis have their own vocabulary rooted in traditional Andalusian expressions and other phrases inspired by American Gangster films from the 1980s. Due to xenophobic connotations, they are often negatively associated with the Caló community (Spanish Roma).
The feminine equivalent of a Cani is a Choni. Additionally, some similiar subcultures can be found in Hispanic-American countries, such as Flaites in Chile, Amixers in Peru, Ñeros in Colombia, Turros in Argentina, Tukis in Venezuela and Nacos in Mexico.
Fashion[]
Some elements commonly used in Cani outfits include:
- Bootleg football team shirts
- Tracksuits
- Muscle shirts
- Cheap sunglasses
- Baseball caps
- Cheap clothing
- Sports sneakers
- Golden jewelry, including necklaces, piercings, rings and bracelets
- Tribal tattoos
- Partially shaved hairstyles and eyebrows
Lingo[]
There is a particular slang and lingo associated with the Choni and Cani subcultures. In fact, Cani slang is mainly derived from traditional phrases of the southern dialects of European Spanish; including Andalusian Spanish, Murcian Spanish and Canarian Spanish, as well as Spanish-Romani dialects. Then, another trait prominent in the texting of both Canis and Chonis is writing in a disordered and exaggerated way, for example, "todo loco" (completely crazy) becomes "tOh LoKoh"[3].
Common Phrases[]
- "Ta flama": This phrase is used to flex newly bought cars.
- "¿Me entiende'?": Do you get me? - This phrase is commonly used at the end of any sentence.
- "'ira": This phrase comes from the Spanish verb mira (look).
Music[]
Songs[]
- Soy Cani by Su_morenito_19 (Zorman)
Criticism[]
Canis became yet one of the most infamous and controversial subcultures in Spain, along with Chonis and Cayetanas. This is mainly because Canis are often involved in controversial actions in Spain, like underage alcoholism. Many people also considered the fashion style to be cringy, claiming Canis try "too hard" to look cool. However, the Cani subculture nowadays has diversified into various substyles that are still very popular among teenage boys in the country.
Gallery[]
