so•
cha |sō ch ä|
noun
• a plant, typically found growing around human-made structures such as buildings, walls, pathways, drains, gardens and farms.
• a plant out of place.
• a synonym for “
weed” with a positive connotation.
Usage of socha
A socha is a plant considered to be undesirable in a particular environment. Just like a “
weed”, a socha grows where it is not wanted and often in competition with cultivated plants. While the term "
weed" generally has a negative connotation, many plants known as weeds have beneficial qualities (e.g. nutritional, medicinal, environmental, aesthetic) and can be called sochas.
Origin of socha
Ubykh Soatshe (noun),
Spanish Nolana Sedifolia (Sosa/Hierba de la lombriz/Sosa brava) (noun),
Spanish Sosa (noun), Portuguese and Galician Sousa (noun), Sosah (noun) of unknown origin; related to
English Weed (noun)
History of socha
This usage of the word can be traced back to New York City in the early 2000s. The term was initially used to describe the wild plants found growing through the cracks of the city’s concrete sidewalks and around sewer drains. Since then, the expression has evolved to include most plants growing in surprising or unfavorable places and to symbolize perseverance (i.e. life finding a way).
*Disclaimer*
Sochas are equal opportunity growers and do not discriminate on the basis of temperature, light,
water,
oxygen, mineral content or insect species.
