Spanish Fads

I spend enough time with Spanish tweens to typically keep up with whats "cool" and "hip" (gosh I sound like my Dad...) From my observation, fads in Spain seem to spread like wildfire, and the amount of time it takes for something to get popular here is far less than in the States. Also, while it might be hard to believe, the following fads not only exist with teenagers but with the old AND the young. And me.

1. Whatsapp

This is a convenient way that everyone uses to get around super expensive text-messaging plans. Smart phones are fairly cheap here, which makes it possible for people to get this instant chat messenger. Its like text messaging, only faster and better. I know that whatsapp is not a Spanish thing, but I include it in the Spanish fads because everyone who is anyone here has whatsapp. Chatting with your friends? On whatsapp. Need to arrange a meeting? On whatsapp. Discussing work issues with a coworker? On whatsapp. Bored? On whatsapp. Or, as an Andaluz would say; wassa. 

2. British/American flag paraphernalia

"I love London! Nope, I've never been."

I see it EVERYWHERE. Whether its sweatshirts, pants, purses, belts, earrings, pencil cases, phone covers, or even shoes, to be in possession of stuff with either the Union Jack or the Star Spangled Banner printed on it is a must. Even better if you can manage to stylishly represent both at the same time, and of course it doesn't matter if you have ever visited the country in question.
To confirm this, I innocently asked one of my London, England sweatshirt-bearing students when/if she had been to London. She answered (haughtily) that no she hadn't, but es la moda. (Its the fashion).

When in doubt, wear both flags AT THE SAME TIME

3. Pou
When my students first began asking me, "Leah, tienes pou?" I was clueless of what they were talking about... but after about the fifth person asked, I decided to investigate this thing called pou.  Should I be embarrassed to admit that I am now the proud owner of the tamagatchi resembling blob-like creature called a pou?  Like tamagatchi, you must feed your pou, play games with it, put it to sleep, and dress it. Unlike tamagatchi, pou has inexplicably spread to all generations, with Spanish people as young as seven and as old as 60 playing. Its completely pointless, utterly silly, but surprisingly addicting.

Hello, Pou

A few other random fads:


-The Simpsons. Spain is about 10(?) years behind the rest of the world when it comes to the Simpsons, who are surprisingly popular here. The funny thing is, they have no idea that The Simpsons in the US have essentially come and gone in popularity.

-Katy Perry. Yes, she is popular everywhere. But I've NEVER seen fans as enthusiastic and widespread as the 13 year old female Spanish population.

-Leggings...no matter the shape, size, or age. I've never been much of a prude, but seriously? Some people could leave a little bit more up to the imagination.