Topo
A slang term for dice, specifically those used for gambling or playing board games.
Roll the topos easy, because if the missing number comes up, we are going to celebrate.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Puerto Rico slang
Street words and phrases used in Puerto Rico, with definitions and examples written by their people.
Puerto RicoChuleria
Used to describe something beautiful, high quality, or charming. It indicates that an object or situation is a real gem or exceptionally nice.
That restaurant they opened in Old San Juan (the city's historic colonial district) is a chulería, the food and the view are incredible.
Automatically translated from Spanish
pillo
A thief, crook, or burglar. This is the standard, everyday term Puerto Ricans use to identify anyone who steals.
I had to put bars on the house windows because the pillos are running wild in the neighborhood.
Automatically translated from Spanish
tusa
The cob of an ear of corn, specifically the hard and fibrous core that remains after the kernels have been removed or eaten.
Leave that tusa on the plate and do not throw it on the floor, otherwise the place will get full of ants.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Bregar
To hustle, grind, or handle a series of tasks and chores, especially when putting in the effort to get through a to-do list. It refers to navigating the daily struggle and managing whatever issues arise (in Puerto Rico, this term is a cultural staple describing the act of negotiating or coping with life's constant obstacles).
I have been bregando with the university paperwork since six in the morning and I have not even been able to have lunch yet.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Bonche
Refers to a big party, bash, or lively gathering with a lot of people where the vibe is intense. It is a social event full of music and noise organized to have a good time with friends.
You cannot miss the bonche we are going to throw at the beach this weekend to celebrate that we finished exams.
Automatically translated from Spanish
grajo
Refers to the strong, repulsive smell of armpit sweat. It is that specific funk from not wearing deodorant or spending too much time in the heat.
Kid, go take a shower, you have a grajo you can smell from the front door.
Automatically translated from Spanish
yesca
A vulgar slang term for sex. It is commonly used when someone is expressing a strong urge to get laid or hook up (the term literally means tinder or kindling).
Look, after hanging out we are going to my place, because I have an incredible craving for yesca.
Automatically translated from Spanish
embuste
Used to describe a lie or a fabricated story with no basis in truth. This is the everyday word Puerto Ricans use for any deception or tall tale.
Stop the embuste already, everyone knows you did not get here at that time!
Automatically translated from Spanish
Concha
This refers to the tough outer shell of bivalve mollusks that acts as a protective shield. Although its hardness means opening it takes effort, it is worth it for the treasure sometimes found inside (in Puerto Rico, this word refers to literal seashells and does not carry the vulgar connotations found in other Latin American countries).
I found a really big oyster Concha on the shore, I am going to see if it is lucky and has a pearl.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Tereque
Used to refer to old objects, junk, or any low-value things that take up unnecessary space. It is the type of clutter one keeps just in case but ends up just getting in the way.
Look, the garbage truck is coming, so take the chance to throw out all those tereques you have piled up in the garage.
Automatically translated from Spanish
chongo
A horse that is skin and bones, looking extremely weak from malnutrition. It is a malnourished animal whose ribs show and barely has the energy to walk.
This is animal abuse, they have that poor chongo tied up in the sun and do not even give it water!
Automatically translated from Spanish
Pelagato
A derogatory term for someone who lacks money, social status, or influence. It is essentially a nobody who has no significance in the matter being discussed.
Are you really going to let that pelagato tell you what to do with your money when he does not even have a cent?
Automatically translated from Spanish
Chepa
It refers to an unexpected stroke of luck or a very favorable coincidence occurring at just the right time. It is used when someone avoids trouble or succeeds by pure chance rather than effort or skill.
What a chepa I had! I thought I was going to fail the exam because I barely studied, but all the questions were about the only thing I read last night.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Chivo
Describes someone who is exceptionally lucky or who achieves something by pure accident. It is commonly used when a person manages a victory or a difficult play by a fluke.
Look how Chivo that guy is, he threw the ball backward without looking and scored.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Bachata
Used to describe a party atmosphere, joking around, or a fun type of chaos among a group of people. It refers to a period of constant messing around and kidding where everyone is having a great time (In Puerto Rico, the word for the music genre is also used to mean a ruckus or a lively social gathering).
Stop playing around and get serious, we didn't come here to start a bachata!
Automatically translated from Spanish
periquero
Refers to a habitual cocaine user or someone with an addiction. It is a very common street term for someone who is constantly doing blow (perico is the regional slang for cocaine).
You can tell that guy is a periquero because he won't stop touching his nose and he is really wired.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Tipa
A term used in Puerto Rico for a woman who is unpleasant or whom you are in conflict with. It is also used as a harsh insult or a vulgar way to refer to a prostitute.
Get that tipa out of here before I lose my cool and tell her a thing or two!
Automatically translated from Spanish
COJOYO
A strong and nasty smell coming from the male groin area caused by lack of hygiene or heavy sweating. The term is a mashup of cojones (balls) and joyo (a regional pronunciation of hoyo, or hole), referring to the combined stench of the testicles and the anus.
That guy has been wearing the same pants for three days and he already has a COJOYO stench you can smell from around the corner.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Alcahuete
Refers to a calculating person who does favors or acts very helpful only to make you feel obligated so they can collect on that debt later. It is someone who never makes a move without expecting something in return.
Look at what an alcahuete that guy is: he brought me lunch today but any minute now he is going to ask me to cover his Friday shift.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Huevon
Used to describe someone who is extremely stupid, slow, or annoying. It is a vulgar way to refer to a person who acts like a total fool and lacks common sense.
Man, that guy is such a huevón, they told him a thousand times not to touch the stove and he went and burned himself anyway.
Automatically translated from Spanish
mojon
Used to describe a worthless person or someone who is extremely lazy and useless. It is a derogatory term for someone who acts like a piece of garbage and lacks initiative (literally refers to a piece of excrement).
That guy is a mojón who spends all day sitting around without looking for a job or helping at home.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Peso
The everyday term Puerto Ricans use to refer to the U.S. dollar. It is used to talk about any amount of money in the island's official currency (Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar as its legal tender, but the term persists from the era when the Puerto Rican peso was the currency).
Can you lend me five pesos to buy something to eat at the cafeteria?
Automatically translated from Spanish
Paleta
A lollipop, but used as slang to describe the intensive use or heavy wear and tear an object is subjected to. It is a common way to say that something is being worked to death or used without a break.
That washing machine ended up breaking because in this house we give it paleta every day since we bought it.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Peso
The standard term used in Puerto Rico to refer to the US dollar, which is the official currency of the island. It is used in everyday conversation for any financial transaction (Puerto Rico is a US territory and uses the US dollar, but locals colloquially call the dollar a peso).
That mofongo combo cost me twelve pesos at the restaurant on the corner.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Cuero
An offensive and vulgar term used to describe a sex worker or a woman perceived to be sexually active with many people. It is a common insult in Puerto Rico used to disparage a woman's reputation.
That girl goes from party to party and now everyone says she is a Cuero.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Manga
A regional term used in parts of Puerto Rico, such as San Sebastian, to refer to a garden hose. While most of the island uses the standard word manguera, people in these specific areas use this variation for the rubber tube used to water plants or wash things.
Bring the manga over here to give some water to the plants, they are drying out.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Bolsa
In Puerto Rico, this word refers to flexible plastic bags used to pack groceries at stores or to collect trash. It is the standard term for the liner placed inside a zafacón (a common term for a trash can in Puerto Rico) to dispose of food scraps and other waste.
I put all the soda cans in a separate bolsa to take them to the recycling center tomorrow.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Leche
In Puerto Rican slang, this is a vulgar term for semen. It is extremely common in sexually explicit talk or street language.
Watch out, you are going to stain all my clothes with your Leche.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Salamero
Used to describe someone who is excessively flirtatious or affectionate with everyone. It refers to a person who constantly gives out compliments and acts as if they are smitten with anyone who catches their eye.
Look at Luis sweet-talking the neighbor, that man is such a salamero that he can't see a woman walk by without getting all lovey-dovey.
Automatically translated from Spanish
putear
To work as a prostitute or engage in sex work. It is a vulgar term used when someone hits the streets to find clients for money.
That is the area where many women spend every night puteando to make a buck.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Traba
A rope or loop tied between the ankles to help climb tall trees or palms. This accessory allows the climber to grip the trunk with their feet as they move upward to harvest fruit.
If you are going to climb that tall palm tree, you better put on the traba so you do not slip halfway up.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Al Pelo
An expression used to say that something fits perfectly or was done flawlessly. It describes objects, situations, or tasks that turned out exactly as expected, without any errors.
I went to the tailor to have my wedding suit adjusted and I tell you, it came out al pelo.
Automatically translated from Spanish
domplin
A wheat flour dough that is fried or boiled, similar to a flatbread or arepa. It is a staple side dish in Puerto Rican cooking, often served with stewed salt cod or simply with butter (the name is the local phonetic adaptation of the English word dumpling).
It smells so good: my grandma is frying some domplines to go with lunch today.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Jefe
The supervisor or person in charge who leads a team and oversees their work. This is the authority figure responsible for directing subordinates in a professional environment.
Tell the jefe that we finished organizing the warehouse and we are ready for the next shift.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Huele Bicho
A highly derogatory and vulgar insult used to describe someone despicable, stupid, or malicious. The literal meaning is cock-smeller, functioning as an aggressive way to call someone a pathetic loser or a contemptible person. (In Puerto Rico, bicho is the standard vulgar word for penis).
Don't pay any attention to that huelebicho, all he knows how to do is talk trash about people he doesn't even know.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Fundillo
A crude, informal term for the buttocks or the anal area. It is used frequently in daily conversation to refer to someone's rear end.
My fundillo really hurts after sitting in that wooden chair for so many hours.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Reperpero
Reperpero is a major ruckus, commotion, or chaotic scene, usually involving loud yelling or physical fighting. It describes a situation where things spin out of control and everything turns into a big mess.
They had to close the club because a reperpero broke out at the entrance and nobody even knew why they were fighting.
Automatically translated from Spanish
come mierda
An extremely arrogant person who thinks they are better than everyone else and acts high and mighty. It describes a pretentious snob who looks down on people, often faking a higher social status or class than they actually have.
Look at that come mierda, now that he bought a European car he does not even want to say hello to the neighbors in the barrio.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Berraco
This term refers to an uncastrated male pig kept for breeding purposes. It is the stud boar responsible for mating with the females on a farm.
We had to separate the berraco from the other animals because he got very restless when the sows went into heat.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Grasa
A term used for footwear that is flashy, expensive, or high-end. It is mostly used when someone is wearing pristine sneakers that stand out because of their exclusivity or style.
Did you see the sneakers Carlos bought? He definitely has the grasa on his feet today.
Automatically translated from Spanish
cuico
A slang term for a man with a cleft lip or palate. It is a blunt, very direct way to refer to someone with this physical condition on the island.
Yesterday I saw the cuico who works at the grocery store carrying some really heavy boxes.
Automatically translated from Spanish
pendejo
Someone who is completely gutless and cowers in the face of even the slightest danger or risk. It is used to label someone a coward who is too afraid to step up when needed.
What a pendejo you are, you did not even dare go into the abandoned house with us!
Automatically translated from Spanish
culillo
Used to describe a state of constant restlessness or the inability to stay still. It refers to a feeling of physical agitation or fidgetiness that makes someone keep moving or act with impatience, similar to having ants in your pants.
Good lord, that boy has such a culillo on him that he has not stopped running all over the yard all afternoon.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Baba
Used to describe when someone talks total nonsense or yaps without saying anything meaningful. It refers to empty talk, lies, or trivial garbage that is not worth listening to.
That politician always comes with the same baba about fixing the roads, but in the end he never does anything.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Bonche
Refers to a large group of friends or the crew of people who hang out together. It is the go-to term for that pack of buddies that is always together, going everywhere as a group.
We arrived at the party with the whole bonche and took over the dance floor.
Automatically translated from Spanish
pepa
A slang term for the biceps, particularly when they are toned or bulging. Puerto Ricans use it to highlight someone's muscle definition or strength.
That kid is always at the gym and now he has a pepa that shows even with his shirt on.
Automatically translated from Spanish
Bonche
Used to describe a large group of people or a significant pile of objects in one spot. It refers to a bunch, heap, or a large quantity of something gathered together.
I need to organize that bonche of clothes you left on the bed because I cannot even find my socks.
Automatically translated from Spanish