In Colombia it means huilense. person born in the Department of Huila. It's a loving nickname we have for the natives of that region. The term is because in Neiva and the Huila the Patriotic Organization was formed, which was a clandestine group for freedom at the time of independence and they used the term "Opa". as a saint and sign. Given the great success achieved, the term was used with honor and was popularized among all the inhabitants of the region. Because of our tendency to diminutives, over time opa, became opita.
It is worth investigating the origin of the terms opa and opita. In his book stories and opinions, Guillermo Falla recalls the patriotism of the people of the territory that was called province of Neiva. It says: " Went here the comuneros voices in 1772, and in 1814 a handful of Patriots signed the Act of independence of the province. Thousands of our men accompanied in 1820 to the liberator Simon Bolivar in the campaign to give freedom to Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. " simultaneously, others provided invaluable services in necessities like the of own mail and spy and informant. To coordinate these services was founded in Neiva, clandestinely, the patriotic organization. For understanding among its people, was established the Holy and sena with its acronym, Opa ". After the wars, the word continued to be used with pride as a greeting and said to the children of those who showed that honor opita. This is the etymology of opa and opita. So, disabuse is who these terms derogatory meanings attributed to them.
