Azúcar
The Slang of Classic Salsa: Words That Celia Cruz, Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades Brought to the World
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Add a word/Sounds like "toom" (as in "tool") + "BAH" (as in "bar") + "oh" (as in "oh")/
Meaning
A Cuban word describing the way someone walks, moves, and carries themselves with style, rhythm, and personal flair. Originally a musical term (the bass rhythm pattern in Cuban music), it crossed into everyday speech as the equivalent of "swagger." Saying someone "tiene tumbao" is the highest compliment: they move beautifully, dress with their own edge, have something impossible to imitate or buy.
Examples
“That woman walks with real swagger, everyone turns to look when she passes.”
“My uncle has that tumbao, and age has not taken a bit of it away.”
Regional synonyms
Community
Your word isn't here yet
Join Hablaaa and add the expression no one else has documented.
/Sounds like "toom" (as in "tool") + "BAH" (as in "bar") + "oh" (as in "oh")/
Meaning
A Cuban word describing the way someone walks, moves, and carries themselves with style, rhythm, and personal flair. Originally a musical term (the bass rhythm pattern in Cuban music), it crossed into everyday speech as the equivalent of "swagger." Saying someone "tiene tumbao" is the highest compliment: they move beautifully, dress with their own edge, have something impossible to imitate or buy.
Examples
“That woman walks with real swagger, everyone turns to look when she passes.”
“My uncle has that tumbao, and age has not taken a bit of it away.”
Regional synonyms
Articles featuring this word
Fiaca
In Argentina and Uruguay, a heavy feeling of laziness or total lack of motivation that makes you want to do absolutely nothing. From the Italian "fiacco," absorbed into Rio de la Plata slang (lunfardo). Fiaca is that specific energy drain that hits on Monday mornings, after big meals, or on cold winter afternoons.