Page "Cantinflas" Paragraph 11

As a young man, Cantinflas performed a variety of acts in travelling tents, and it was here that he earned the nickname " Cantinflas ", although the origin of the name is obscured by legend.

According to one obituary, " Cantinflas " is a meaningless name invented to prevent his parents from knowing he was in the entertainment business, which they considered a shameful occupation.

In another version, the Mexican media critic and theorist Carlos Monsiváis cites a legendary account of the origin of Cantinflas's characteristic speech: