Short for 'what's good' in Dominican slang, the signature street greeting of Santo Domingo. It's texted, said out loud, and used as an all-purpose opener that instantly marks you as Dominican.

A party or all-night celebration with music, dancing, and drinks that has no set end time. Not just any gathering: a parranda is the kind of celebration where nobody checks the clock until the sun comes up. Deeply rooted in Caribbean and Latin American culture, especially in Venezuela, Colombia, and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.

A person who talks excessively and nonstop about any topic that crosses their mind. Like the parrot the word comes from, a cotorra never shuts up and can turn a two-minute story into a two-hour monologue.

A phrase used to describe someone who promises a lot but doesn't deliver anything, whose only action is talking. This person has a tendency to speak about what should be done without taking any action, often leaving others to do the work.

To feel embarrassed, mortified, or ashamed, often to the point of blushing or becoming visibly flustered.

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.

The ultimate Venezuelan wildcard word that can mean literally anything: an object, a situation, a problem, or something whose name you just can't remember. It's so flexible that entire conversations can revolve around it without anyone batting an eye.

In the Dominican Republic, someone whose identity is deeply tied to merengue, whether as a passionate dancer, a devoted fan, or simply a person whose whole vibe and lifestyle reflects that musical culture. Since merengue is the national genre of the Dominican Republic, calling someone a merenguero carries real cultural weight beyond just a music preference.

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.

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.

The most authentic form of traditional Dominican merengue, played with accordion, tambora drum, and guira scraper. Perico ripiao is the raw, rootsy original, born in the countryside long before merengue went commercial. When it plays, nobody stays seated.

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.

In the Dominican Republic, the act of showing off, being seen, or projecting status in public or on social media. "Figureo" is all about crafting an image to impress rather than living the actual reality.

A local Dominican man who seduces foreign female tourists in search of money, gifts, or a ticket out of the country. A classic figure in Dominican tourist resort culture.

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 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.

To mentally prepare oneself to face a difficult situation with courage and without complaining. In Latin America, it's a sign of bravery and determination.

To show up uninvited and completely out of place, like a golf club nobody asked for and nobody knows what to do with. In the Dominican Republic, this vivid expression describes the person who arrives where they weren't expected or wanted.

A wildcard word that means things, stuff, or belongings. In Venezuela, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic it replaces basically any noun when you can't think of the right word.

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.

Something or someone that is very ugly, unattractive, or visually unpleasant, is a common description in the Dominican Republic.

To be informed, up to date on what's happening. Used across the Spanish-speaking world, 'estar al tanto' means you're not missing anything important.

An informal greeting used in Cuba and the Dominican Republic meaning "what's up" or "what's going on." A classic conversation opener between close friends.

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.