The Words And History That Make Puerto Rican Spanish Unique

by Besanya Santiago

Within Latin America, each country has specific words in their dialect that can be completely foreign to other Spanish speakers. Puerto Rico is no different. Since we’ve already discussed the ins and outs of Puerto Rican slang, now lets move on to some common everyday vocabulary.

Puerto Rican Spanish is largely influenced by Andalusia and The Canary Islands in Spain. Many farmers and commoners from these regions came to Puerto Rico in hopes of establishing a better life in the Americas. After some time, Spaniards from other regions arrived as well as European settlers from France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Germany. There was even a large number of Arabs and Chinese that migrated to the island. Puerto Rico has an incredibly diverse history. And when you add to this the languages of the African slaves, the language of the Taínos as well as the English imposed by the United States? That’s a pretty intense melting pot of language.

Although this history gives the dialect depth and originality, using certain words from other varieties of Spanish can result in misunderstandings and confusion. For the most part, they are fairly harmless and usually result in having a good laugh. But there are also words to watch out for in order to avoid offending the wrong person. This isn’t usually a concern, though, since Puerto Ricans tend to be incredibly awesome and easy going people (no bias here whatsoever). So, lets get into some of these variations and continue your journey to sounding like a Boricua.

Naranja vs. China

Commonly mistaken for the country, China actually refers to an Orange. The fruit originated thousands of years ago in Southern China, from where it spread throughout India and parts of Southeast Asia. Portuguese sailors eventually brought these sweet delicacies to Portugal and Spain, where they were called China Oranges (naranjas de la China) to distinguish them from the more tart oranges they were accustomed to. In fact, the word naranja comes from the sanskrit word for orange, naranga. Some of us kept naranja and some of us kept china. So no, jugo de china is not juice from China.

Guineo vs. Banana

Since bananas were originally thought to have originated from West Africa, this is where the word guineo comes in. European settlers used to refer to Africa as Guinea. When the Portuguese brought bananas to Latin America, the name came right along with it. Although it is now known that bananas came from Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, the name guineo stuck. Nothing wrong with being an OG.

Guagua vs. Autobus

Although it does sound like a baby crying (it actually is the word for ‘baby’ in Chile), the term guagua is, in fact, a public bus. This word hails specifically from the Canary Islands. It is believed to have come from the name of the US bus company Wa Wa and Co. that provided public transportation throughout the islands. The pronunciation can vary (wawa vs guagua) but what doesn’t vary are the crazed looks I get in other countries when I use this instead of autobus.

Zafacón vs. Basurero

Zafacón is a trash can in both Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. After the end of the Islamic Era in the Iberian Peninsula, many Arabs joined the Spaniards in their journey to conquer new territories. A zafaca, which is a clay container in Arabic, is what they used to collect the waste that fed pigs. The word later developed into zafacón. As it happens, Arabic is the second-largest language that influenced Spanish, after Latin.

Insectos vs. Bichos

If you don’t remember any of these terms, try to remember this: Do NOT use the term bichos in Puerto Rico. It is the only country in Latin America in which it does not mean insect. It’s very vulgar. Simply use insectos and you’ll be fine. As a Puerto Rican, the most insane thing I constantly hear is: Éste bicho no me quiere dejar quieta (this “insect” won’t leave me alone). I’ll leave it to your Google search to find out why.

Lechosa vs. Papaya

Both of these terms can be used to describe the same fruit. However, the word lechosa was initially used to describe an unripened papaya. In Puerto Rico, there is a popular dessert called dulce de lechosa (candied papaya). To make it, you need to use an unripened papaya. When this type of papaya is cut open, it releases a thick juice that’s milky in quality. Lechosa literally means milky, which is how the fruit got its name.

Sorbeto vs. Pajita

A drinking straw can be translated into tons of different ways in Latin America. From pitillo and popote (Colombia and México) to absorbente and bombilla (Cuba and Chile), things can get confusing very quickly. Here’s the Puerto Rico version: Sorbeto comes from the Spanish word sorber, which means ‘to sip’. That’s it. Yea…we prefer to keep things nice and easy. #islandlife

Bizcocho vs. Pastel

This word for ‘cake’ also came along with the Spaniards. Originating from the Latin word bis-coctus, it describes a type of bread cooked twice to prevent it from spoiling. FYI: Be mindful when using this word in other Latin American countries. Depending on where you go, it can have an entirely different meaning and may even be offensive. And yes, this is a recurring theme in the Spanish speaking world with many seemingly innocent words.

Embuste vs. Mentira

This is a term used very often but whose origins are relatively unknown. An embuste is a lie and an embustero is a liar. You’ll also hear the word paquetero to describe a person who lies all the time. The speculation is that it came from the Latin word impostorem, meaning impostor, and that it was brought over by the French. Interestingly enough, French immigration to Puerto Rico was one of the largest in number, second only to the Spanish.

Enfogonar vs. Enojar

A verb defined as ‘to anger,’ enfogonar came from the Spanish word enfogar, which literally means ‘kindle’ or ‘ignite’. And if you’ve ever angered a Puerto Rican, you should already understand why this is probably the best word choice to describe what you experienced afterwards.

Other Useful Vocabulary

Chiringa – Kite
Muerto – Speed Bump
Marquesina – Garage
Habichuelas – Beans
Mahones – Jeans
Balompié – Soccer
Carro – Car
Brincar – to jump
Pillo – thief

Jíncho (a) – Pale
Sato – Mixed breed dog
Averiguao (a) – Nosy
Gafas – Sunglasses
Espejuelos – Eye glasses
Aguantar – To hold
Abaníco – Fan
Molestar – to bother
Bruto (a) – dumb

Not so bad, right?

These are just some of the many Puerto Rican words you will come across. And of course, they all vary by region. It may be overwhelming to learn them, particularly if you’re more familiar with a contrasting dialect. But know that once you become accustomed to the sounds of the Puerto Rican accent, the words will make more sense. Words and sounds within a language or dialect always work hand-in-hand to create a complementary cultural harmony. So just sit back, relax and listen to the musical notes of each individual phrase. It’s just a matter of time before you’ll be able to compose your own song and easily dance to the intricate rhythms of the Puerto Rican dialect.

About the Author

Besanya Santiago (IG: @besanyasantiago) is is an actress and writer based in New York City. She is best known for her work on the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. As a multi linguist, she enjoys helping others gain a deeper understanding of language and culture. Originally from Puerto Rico, her aim is to bring an authentic perspective about Caribbean life to people from all over the world. Check out her website, www.besanyasantiago.com.

(Thumbnail Photo by Amy Irizarry from Pixabay)

5 Places You Must Visit in Cuba

5 Place You Must Visit in Cuba

Want to escape the Big Apple for a few days without breaking the bank? Go to CUBA! Starting Fall 2016, JetBlue will be the first airline to offer non-stop flights between JFK and La Havana. So get excited to start preparing for the road to Cuba by discovering a 5 destinations you must visit while you are there. Sit back, relax and enjoy the read! 

As an America citizen traveling to Cuba you will need:

1. An authorization form OFAC to travel to Cuba OR a Specific or General License to travel.
2. A U.S. Passport that is valid at least six months from the return date and at least 2 blank pages in the passport when boarding.
3. Health Insurance that covers you in Cuba (Jetblue includes this $25 surcharge in their fare)
4. A Visa (can be purchased at a U.S. airport for $50)
5. There are 2 Currencies in Cuba but they are in the process of unifying them. $1 = 1CUC

After you have these items, get ready for adventure with these 5 things you absolutely must do while you are in town.

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1. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana

The National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana in Cuba is a museum of Fine Arts that exhibits Cuban Art collections from the colonial times up to the modern and contemporary generations. This museum has 3 floors full or international Art from 500 BC to the modern days with an extensive Spanish collection including a work from El Greco! They also have 2000-year-old Roman mosaics and Greek pots from the 5th century BC. Definitely a must see for the History Lovers! Start Planning here! 

Image Credit: Clara Luz Domínguez Amorín

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2. Old Havana and its Fortification System

Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, Havana quickly became the centro for ship-building in the Caribbeans. It has the biggest density in the area with around 2 millions inhabitants. The most incredible thing is that Havana has preserved the pattern of the early urban setting with its 5 plazas, each with a specific architecture. Walking around Old Havana, you will step back in time, witnessing a mix of baroque and neoclassical style monuments along private and gated houses. Learn more here!

Image Credit: Gareth Williams

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3. "Che" Guevara Mausoleum 

A huge part of the Cuban History, this museum ought to be visited to get a full understanding of the culture in Cuba. Experience this small museum located, actually, next to Che Guevara's mausoleum. Many of his artifacts are located inside and the museum embodies his teaching. This memorial is located in Santa Clara and it houses the remains of executed Marxist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara along 29 of his fellow combatants killed in 1967. Start the visit here! 

Image Credit: Alex Schwab

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4. Parque de Baconao

Located about 20km away from Santiago de Cuba, Baconao Park is what might be the strangest Park! It is supposed to reflect the history and culture of Cuba but you will strangely find 200 roaming dinosaurs. Strangely enough, these dinosaurs were built by inmates from a local prison! The park also holds around 2,500 miniature car models and a lake to refresh yourself, it is not dry! Start the Jurassic experience here! 

Image Credit: Escla

5. La Guarida

Mix your food and your history by eating at La Guarida. The restaurant is rated one of the best restaurants in La Havana. The restored old building entertains guests into this fancy restaurant. The world "fancy" should not turn you down as entrées vary from $15 to $25. The hours of this restaurant are a little odd (8am to 6pm) and you will need reservations (did you review your Spanish for that?)  but it is worth every challenge. You should try some "Arroz Con Pollo," "Boliche," or even some "Moros y Cristianos" Make your reservation here.

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Image Credit: The Daily Meal

We hope you enjoyed these 5 Places You Must Visit in Cuba! While Cuba is still slowly becoming more available to the U.S. we are so excited to count on another country where New Yorkers can easily discover culture, great food and language without breaking the bank! We'd love to hear about your travels (especially your experiences in Cuba), so please leave a comment below. Looking to learn how to speak Spanish? Don't forget to check out our Spanish Group Classes & Private Lessons at JP Linguistics. Gracias!