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/Sounds like "reh" (as in "red") + "BOOS" (as in "boot") + "keh" (as in "kept")/

Meaning

An informal hustle or creative strategy to make a living when there's no formal employment available. It's the Latin American art of surviving through side gigs, street vending, or whatever pays the bills.

Examples

He makes a living off odd jobs, always finds a way.

In this economy, everyone's hustling somehow.

Word family
Regional synonyms

In Central America, your tight circle of close friends you always roll with. The "combo" is your ride-or-die crew. Common across Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.