In March 2023, the columnist Eduardo Navarrete wrote in Publimetro that punctuality, for Mexicans, is “una misteriosa carta de intención” (a mysterious letter of intent). He listed the phrases that give it away. Al ratito, “in a little while.” 10 minutitos, “ten little minutes.” Ahí mañana, “tomorrow, then.” Híjole, te la debo, “oh dear, I owe you that one.”