Viva yo. This phrase will not be found in dictionaries. Some time ago there was a competition for the cartoon which best expressed the Spanish character, and the winner, without a close second, was on showing an arrogant little boy urinating in the middle of the street and spelling out the words 'Viva yo,' which could be translated as 'Hurray for me,' except that the guts of the phrase is the implied second half, 'and to hell with everyone else.' A comprehension of the Spaniard's addiction to Viva yo will help anyone trying to make his way in Spain. When the little car barrels right down the middle of the highway, forcing everyone else into the ditch, you don't swear at the driver. You say 'Viva yo' and you understand what happened and why. When you pay seven dollars for a seat at the bullfight and find it occupied by a man who will not move, you don't punch him. You say 'Viva yo' and steal someone elsess seat.


James A. Michener, Iberia. 1968. Random House. 74