17 published definitions
A small, guitar-like string instrument used to provide the rhythm in son jarocho music (a regional folk style from Veracruz), or a traditional dance style from Yucatan characterized by rhythmic footwork to improvised verses and songs.
Get the jarana out so we can start playing some sones and get people dancing.
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A debt, an outstanding bill, or a financial obligation that needs to be settled. A person is said to be enjaranado when they are in over their head with too many debts.
Because I kept spending on things I did not need, now I have a huge jarana with the moneylender and I do not know where to get the cash (pisto is the local slang for money).
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A rowdy, festive commotion or atmosphere at a social gathering. It refers to the loud, collective fun and celebratory racket where everyone is having a great time.
The guys threw one hell of a jarana in the quincho (a covered area for barbecues and social gatherings) to celebrate Juani's birthday.
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A slang term for a debt or the obligation to pay back money you borrowed. It is usually used when someone has outstanding balances to settle with another person.
Better not ask that guy for anything, because later on it is a huge hassle to get out of the jarana.
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A colloquial term for a debt or an outstanding financial obligation. It is used when someone owes money to another person or a bank.
Dude, I would love to go to the beach, but I have a huge jarana with my credit card and I have to save money.
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A trick, scam, or dirty play used to take advantage of someone. It is typically applied to cheating in gambling or using sleight of hand to steal money while counting it.
That guy always wins at poker because he likes to pull a jarana when he deals the cards.
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A folk dance and music style typical of the Yucatan and Campeche regions, known for its rhythmic foot-stomping and blend of influences. It is the centerpiece of traditional festivals in southeastern Mexico (these celebrations are often called vaquerías and frequently feature dancers balancing trays or bottles on their heads).
I would love to go to Yucatan to see in person how the women do not drop the tray while dancing jarana.
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A common term in Cuba for a joke, kidding, or a prank played without any ill will. It refers to the act of teasing or mocking someone playfully to have fun at their expense or to lighten the mood (in Cuba, this lighthearted mockery is often called choteo).
Stop being so annoying, everyone knows that was just a jarana from your brother to make you laugh.
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A joke, a prank, or lighthearted kidding around.
1. It was a jarana he played on you. 2. Juan is always jaraniando with me.
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jarana refers to banter, joking around, or an informal gathering where a group of people chat about everyday life in a fun and relaxed way.
Fidel Castro sent an offer to Balaguer for a shipping container of panties to give to Dominican men: because they let themselves be governed by a blind man (Joaquin Balaguer was a long-time Dominican president who remained in power despite being blind).
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A lively, crowded party or bash. (In Peru, it typically refers to a traditional celebration with Criollo music and dancing).
Gonzalo and I went to party at a really cool jarana last week. There was tons of grub and drinks, and some chicks in miniskirts showing their asses!
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A high-energy party or wild celebration with friends that stretches late into the night or until sunrise. It describes an intense bash that lasts all night long.
Get ready because the jarana on Saturday is going to be insane and we will be getting home in the broad daylight.
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Used to describe a mess, a brawl, or a fight that breaks out in public or at a gathering. It refers to a conflict where tempers flare, leading to shouting matches or even fistfights.
A huge jarana broke out in the bar when one of the guys accidentally spilled his beer on the other.
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A financial debt or money owed to another person. It is a common term for being heavily in debt or having overdue payments.
I really need my paycheck because I have a heavy jarana with the department store installments.
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A loud, rowdy party or celebration, often involving big crowds and public festivals. It is the kind of event defined by high energy, noise, and people having a wild time.
I heard that a massive jarana broke out in the main square for the New Year's Eve celebration.
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A wild and excessive party or celebration. (Spaniards often use this term with a sarcastic wink toward the country's habit of turning religious devotion into an excuse for heavy drinking and revelry.)
A jarana broke out on Saturday...
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A guy who is easily played for a sucker or who is whipped and controlled by his wife.
Luis is not going to the party, he is a jarana.
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