New-Mexicanisation: noun. To be turned into something somehow resembling New Mexico. When one talks of social New-Mexicanisation, one usually means a change in the number of Hispanic inhabitants and Native Americans to levels resembling those of New Mexico. Cultural New-Mexicanisation, on the other hand, means the adoption of Hispanic, indigenous and American values. There is also geographic New-Mexicanisation, which involves relocation to the US border with Mexico. The variety of meanings this word has is a source of frequent confusion, as demonstrated by a conversation I overheard on a train once between a child and his grandmother:
"Granny, did you know that uncle Jack has been New-Mexicanised?"
"Good heavens! Has he started wearing a poncho and turned 3.5% Navajo?"
"No, he's on holiday in Southern Texas."
"Oh... well that's a bummer."
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