WATCH: Mario Lopez Addresses Code-Switching After Trending In Viral Videos: “I’m Trying To Cash These Checks”

There’s more sides to A.C. Slater  than you know, roommates! All jokes aside, the accomplished actor, radio and television host was recently trending online after he uploaded a TikTok video eating traditional Mexican dishes with a friend. In the video, Mario explains what he’s eating and shares his love for Mexican food in general.

@mariolopez You know me & the homie had to give you the lowdown on @Mariscos_el_bigoton & taste test the goods… #MariosMenu #TacoTuesday ♬ Passionate Spanish Flamenco, Spanish(1324022) – tmk93

Fans couldn’t help but notice the change in Mario’s accent and diction in comparison to his television persona on ‘Access Hollywood.’ The video quickly began trending online as the response became about an all too familiar topic, code-switching. In response, some users said:

Mario Lopez is in the code switch Hall of Fame because what https://t.co/78thJKgZp6

— Ol’ Dirty Dennis (@OlDirtyDennis) November 7, 2023

Chile, everybody knew Mario Lopez was Mexican. We are shocked that he knows.

— Now, girl… (@C0URTNEYC0) November 8, 2023

I really hate how so many different ethnic groups have to code switch (blacks in corporate)– because why wouldn’t you enjoy hearing different accents, lingos, etc.? I was aware that Mario Lopez was Mexican, but it’s so refreshing hearing him speak comfortably around his people!

— Valenciaga 👿 (@valenciarrush) November 9, 2023

Lmfaoooo Mario Lopez said baby I got to code switch y’all ain’t finna stop my bag 😂

— i couldn’t google you (@lysso777) November 8, 2023

Mario Lopez is TOO real 🤣🤣🫡, tryna keep the bag https://t.co/q3vOikpZA3

— Something Profound and Witty (@Parkour_Lewis) November 8, 2023

Here’s What Mario Had To Say About It

Mario kept it all the way real and just said what it was, he’s trying to cash his checks, PERIOD. Though he attributes the change to being more “polished” and “buttoned up,” he also celebrates his Mexican heritage in the same breath.

Ok, let’s set the record straight for the people in the back…
I’ma Mexican-American Actor/TV host with slang tendencies. Just not on TV! #VivaMexico #Trending #TwitterWildn pic.twitter.com/pqCFQvIJ1Z

— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) November 7, 2023

Code-switching by definition is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation. But, if you know, you know that code-switching is also a matter of survival for many under-represented groups of people. Though Mario laughs off the online response, it does touch on the sobering realities and reach of the topic in general.