Food in general, any kind of grub. In Venezuela, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, jama is the most direct way of saying you need to eat something right now.

To spread a rumor, pass gossip along from person to person until it takes on a life of its own. In the Caribbean and Central America correr la bola is the original viral information loop.

Penis in Puerto Rico, one of the strongest vulgarities in the Boricua vocabulary. Saying it in the wrong context can get you in serious trouble, so tread carefully on the island.

Someone visibly pouting or making an angry face, showing their displeasure through expression without saying a word. Used across Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Caribbean when someone sulks with a pouty face after not getting what they wanted.

Someone with naturally prominent or thick lips. Used as a physical description across Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Caribbean, sometimes as gentle teasing but often just neutrally descriptive.

Something hilarious, super fun, or a situation where you have an amazing time laughing nonstop. In Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, vacilón is pure fun, all laughs and good vibes.

Hanging out with friends, going out to have fun or just spending time together. Borrowed from the English "hang out" and adapted into Puerto Rican Spanish, "jangueo" is central to the island's social culture, covering everything from a chill night at someone's house to a full blown party.

To live off others without working, surviving on empty promises and other people's goodwill. The person who "vive del cuento" always has a story ready but never delivers actual results. Common in Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Spain.

Cool, awesome, something positive that you enjoy and makes you feel good. It's perhaps the most widely exported word from Caribbean and Andean Spanish, a universal synonym for everything being perfect.

A Puerto Rican dish of mashed green plantain with garlic, pork cracklings, and broth, the culinary pride of the island. Mofongo is hearty, delicious, and represents the essence of boricua cooking.

A derogatory term in the Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico) for a woman who dates men primarily for money or gifts, exchanging company for financial benefit. Heavily present in dembow and reggaeton lyrics.

A Latin urban music genre born in Puerto Rico that dominated the entire planet with its impossible-to-ignore beat. Reggaetón is the sound that plays at every party, every car, and every phone in the Spanish-speaking world.

In Puerto Rican reggaeton and street culture, a bold, defiant attitude that refuses to follow rules or respect authority. Being en desacato means moving through life on your own terms, unapologetically.

Puerto Rican exclamation of celebration, excitement, or cheering someone on - an extended version of "wepa." Shouted at parties, concerts, and any moment of pure Boricua joy.

In Caribbean reggaeton slang, someone or something sweet, irresistible, and incredibly attractive. From melaza (molasses). Used in Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic.

A troublemaker, especially a kid who cannot sit still, creates disorder, and stirs up conflict wherever they go. Used in Spain, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico for someone who simply cannot be contained in any setting.

Style, attitude, and the way someone raps with rhythm and personality. Also the natural swagger or charisma someone radiates when they walk, talk, dress, or just exist with effortless confidence.

To deal with something complicated, work hard, or handle a tough situation. In Puerto Rico, bregar is the everyday verb, there's always something to bregar with.

A rickety boat used to attempt the dangerous crossing of the Mona Channel between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The yola represents the desperate hope of migration, thousands risk their lives on these makeshift vessels seeking a better future.

An obsession or craze that someone just cannot stop talking about. In Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, when someone has la fiebre de algo, they bring it up in every conversation whether anyone asked or not. Think of it as being completely hooked on something.

Flat broke, completely out of money, with absolutely nothing left in your pocket. In Caribbean slang, being bayul means you can't even cover the basics, usually said jokingly among friends to explain why you can't participate.

Sexual arousal or intense desire, or a bold, daring attitude that pushes limits. In the Caribbean, bellaquera describes that charged energy, either the physical pull of desire or the nerve to do something wild and boundary-pushing.

In Puerto Rico, at full speed or with maximum intensity, no holding back. You can use it for physical movement or any activity being done at full throttle with zero pauses.

A fainting spell, a panic attack, or an extreme fright in Puerto Rico and Mexico. Also used hyperbolically to describe an over-the-top reaction to shocking news. If something sends you into a full-body panic spiral, you got a yeyo.

An urban music genre with heavy beats, introspective lyrics, and autotune that came from the US and got completely Latinized. It's the sound defining the current generation of Latin urban artists.

In Puerto Rico, to agree with others to do something shady or to harm someone. If you get caught up in this, you'll be in trouble.

In Puerto Rico, a weird, mind-bending, or hard-to-believe situation. Something is a "tripi" when it throws you off or leaves you thinking about how strange it is.

In the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic), a person or atmosphere that is full of energy and ready to party. Someone who está prendío is lit up and in full celebration mode.

Fear, fright, or strong nerves in the Caribbean. Having "culillo" means you're scared or anxious about something that rattles you. Common in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

To tag someone in a social media post, photo, or comment, linking their name so they get notified. Taggear is one of the most essential Spanglish verbs of the internet age, fully conjugated and used daily by everyone from teenagers to brand accounts across the Spanish-speaking world.