What is Doña Florinda syndrome and how can you identify it?

Few people in Latin America have not seen, at least once in their lives, "El Chavo del 8." The iconic television show is the brainchild of Roberto Gómez Bolaños, who brought to the screen the story of an orphan boy who experiences countless comical situations in a traditional neighborhood.

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Among the characters he shared is Doña Florinda , a widow in her 40s who lives with her only son, Quico. This name has resonated again today not only because of the success of the biographical series "Chespirito: Sin Queriendo Queriendo," which portrays the life of its creator, but also because it was the name given to a psychological phenomenon.

Doña Florinda syndrome is a term coined by Argentine author Rafael Ton. He first used the term in 2015 to refer to people who adopt a contemptuous attitude toward those they perceive as inferior or different.

The concept takes into account some of the behaviors that characterize this fictional character, including his air of superiority, his tendency to emphasize class differences, and his constant search for admiration.

According to the writer, this behavior is not manifested through extreme actions, but rather through small, ongoing gestures such as isolation, constant criticism, or intolerance toward different contexts.

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These people also tend to look down on those who share their financial problems and strive to portray their situation differently.

Ton explained that these behaviors tend to be prevalent in urban environments, as there are greater contrasts within the middle class. These differences can generate social tensions, prejudices, and attitudes of exclusion.

Some characteristics of those with this syndrome include accumulated frustrations, unmet personal or professional goals, deficiencies in the development of emotional skills, a lack of fulfillment in their daily lives, and a need to excel.

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