el crispito

I don't know if it's an issue between the Spanish used in Spain and the New World, or if criada just has negative connotations only in Mexico.

There are lots of words for different kinds of maids that you'll find in the dictionary, but the dictionary usually does not go into sufficient detail to explain the difference between the terms. Here in Mexico, a maid at a hotel (that fixes up your recamara bedroom, in Latin America) is una camarista. You'll also see camarera for a hotel maid, although I don't think that term is often used in Mexico.

However, Joseph and Larry told us last night that criada implies that the woman is your slave, and in fact, the term is more offensive to use than even the term esclava to describe a woman that cleans your house. It has the connotation that you breed and raise them on your property so they'll grow up to be your servants. Of course, I don't think that goes on here in Mexico anymore, but it does convey that meaning in a historical context.

Therefore, if you come to Mexico and you want to hire a maid, don't call her una criada. If you're going to put a want ad in the newspaper, say you're seeking una serviente. This also works for pretty much anyone where the English word 'servant' could apply (butlers, gardeners, cook), although for most of these jobs, there are more specific translations that are more appropriate. (Of course, if it's a male servant to whom you are referring, you'd use el serviente.)