Was the term contra used in describing conflicts or fighting forces prior to the Nicaraguan Contras?

by weatheredruins

I understand that 'contra' comes from the Spanish word for 'against.' I'm also aware that there were rebel fighting forces prior to the 1979 Nicaraguan conflict.

Was the term contra ever used in describing the Vietnam War? Did it only become popular post 1979?

Were other countries using the term in their news media when describing rebel forces?

Thanks for your time.

Bernardito

If I may ask, have you ever seen the term being used outside of the context of the civil war in Nicaragua? Out of all historical texts I've read, primary and secondary, the term "contra" or "contras" have only been used as an umbrella term for the rebel groups in Nicaragua during this period.