A derogatory term for a person from the rural interior who moves to the capital and is mocked for being out of touch with modern technology or urban life. (The name Usnavy originates from the local practice of naming children after the U.S. Navy markings seen on ships and equipment in the Canal Zone).
A: The other day I saw a Usnavy with one of those expensive phones and he was talking into it like it was a police radio. B: Really? Oh man, that is hilarious.
A phrase used to refer to the shopping districts of Santo Domingo. It literally means down there because businesses were historically concentrated in the Colonial Zone, which sits on lower ground near the coast. Today, the expression is a general synonym for going out shopping anywhere. (In Santo Domingo, the historic center is located on a lower elevation than many residential neighborhoods).
- I am going allá abajo to buy some shoes at La Parisien. - Why? Plaza Naco is already open.
In the Dominican Republic, this refers to Nacional Constructora, a development firm from the 1960s and 70s that created the Ensanche Naco neighborhood in Santo Domingo. The area is a major upscale residential and commercial district (the name is an acronym for the company that built the sector).
A slang expression used to describe the Dominican countryside, rural provinces, or any underdeveloped area lacking modern urban infrastructure. (Used mainly by residents of the capital to dismiss anywhere outside the city).
The capital is the capital, and everything else is monte y culebra.
A sarcastic nickname for the Animal Sculpture Theme Park in Santo Domingo, built by former mayor Roberto Salcedo. It consists of giant animal statues and is famously criticized as a waste of public funds, costing millions while basic services like electricity and garbage pickup are neglected (The name is a portmanteau of Zoo and Roberto).
- Let is go to the Theme Park to see what cost so much money. - To the Zooberto!
The capital city of the La Altagracia province, founded in 1506 by Juan de Esquivel. It is a major religious center home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, a national monument, and the colonial San Dionisio Church. (It is the destination for the country's most important annual religious pilgrimage).
higuey is the capital city of the La Altagracia Province.
Years ago, 27 de Febrero was the main avenue in Santo Domingo. Now it is the world's first moving parking lot, with thousands of cars that look like they are standing still, but if you look closely, are actually inching forward (this is a central thoroughfare in the capital named after Dominican Independence Day).
The best vehicle for getting around on the 27 de Febrero is a pair of sneakers.
Considered the trashiest private school in the Dominican capital, it is the place where everyone expelled from other schools ends up. It gathers the worst of Santo Domingo in one spot: druggies, idiots, and psychos. (Chopo is a Dominican term for something tacky or low-class).
A: Dude, where do you study? B: At Colegio Senderos. A: What! Are you really that bad?
It is simply the best baseball team in the Dominican Republic, envied by many and praised by others. (Licey refers to Tigres del Licey, the country's oldest and most successful professional baseball team).
Licey Champions! 100 years of glory and tradition!
A well-known transit hub and landmark in Santo Domingo located at the intersection of 27 de Febrero and Isabel Aguiar. It is notorious for constant traffic jams, street vendors, and being a major stop for buses. (The name refers to the Pinturas Popular paint factory located at this corner.)
The bus drops me off at Pinturas and there I catch a shared taxi that takes me near my house.
One of the most successful baseball teams in the Dominican Republic. As of this writing, they have 19 national titles and 10 Caribbean Series championships. Their main rivals are the Aguilas Cibaenas and the Leones del Escogido, the latter of whom are always jerking themselves off thinking they can actually compete with the glorious Tigres del Licey. Licey is also one of the rowdiest towns in the country, a leader in strikes and the sport of stone-throwing. (Baseball, or pelota, is the national sport and Tigres del Licey is the most winning franchise).
- Where are the Tigres del Licey playing today, my guy? - That is a huge, huge hit, way back, Tulile knocked it out! Tigres del Licey takes the lead again! (Remembering the Tulilazo).
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