Puerto Rican Slang 101: Phrases You Need to Know

If you’ve been diving into Bad Bunny’s latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”, you’ll notice there’s something special about it—it’s not just reggaetón; it’s filled with storytelling through Puerto Rican slang. As he puts it, “A lot of people miss things in my lyrics because I sing in Puerto Rican slang.”

“Debí Tirar Más Fotos” is an album where Bad Bunny uses everyday Puerto Rican expressions to deliver a vibrant depiction of life on the island. In songs like “NuevaYol,” he references “getting a shot of cañita at Toñita’s place”—a nod to the Caribbean Social Club in Brooklyn, a gathering spot for Puerto Ricans to celebrate and preserve their culture. Meanwhile, tracks like “Bokete” transform everyday terms like boquetes (potholes) into sharp commentary on Puerto Rico’s problems.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por Benito Antonio (@badbunnypr)

Even the album’s lighter moments are filled with slang. In “KLOuFRENS,” Benito gives a shoutout to the iconic San Sebastián Street Festival by saying “dando vuelta’ por la SanSe.” The album also mentions ‘Pitorro de coco,’ a classic Puerto Rican Christmas alcoholic drink. Other references include “jíbaro,” representing the rural peasant and cultural roots, and “lelolai,” a typical onomatopoeia of jíbaro music that embodies folklore, musical tradition, and Puerto Rican joy, as highlighted in ‘Lo que pasó a Hawái.’

So, if you really want to connect with Benito and his music, it’s time to get familiar with some Puerto Rican phrases!

Here’s a beginner’s guide to Puerto Rican slang, with references from Bad Bunny’s songs and Puerto Rican culture.

1. Boricua

Let’s start with the basics. Puerto Ricans proudly call themselves Boricuas. This comes from “Borikén,” the Taíno name for the island. In songs like “Voy a Llevarte Pa’ PR,” Bad Bunny celebrates being Boricua. It’s not just a word; it’s an identity.

2. Perreo

If you’re a Bad Bunny fan, you’ve definitely heard this one. Perreo is more than just dancing—it’s a movement. It’s sweaty, fierce, and unapologetic. Songs like “Perro Negro” and any reggaetón track ever written will make you want to hit the floor and perrear all night.

3. ¡Ay Bendito!

This versatile phrase is pure Puerto Rican essence. It can mean anything from “Oh no!” to “How cute!” depending on the tone. Think of it as Puerto Rico’s answer to “OMG.” For example:

“¡Ay bendito! Bad Bunny’s concert sold out already?”

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por Benito Antonio (@badbunnypr)

4. Acho / Chacho

These are shortened forms of muchacho, but they’re mostly used like “man” or “dude.” You’ll also hear them as filler words, similar to “well…” in English. For example:

“Acho, did you hear Benito’s new album? Brutal.”

5. Brutal

Speaking of brutal, in Puerto Rican slang, it means “amazing” or “awesome.” So when someone says, “That new track is brutal,” it’s a compliment!

6. Revolú

This one means “a mess” or “chaos.” In “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Bad Bunny highlights everyday life in Puerto Rico, where a revolú is just part of the charm—whether it’s traffic, street festivals, or political protests.

7. Hanguiar

Want to chill like a Boricua? Use this word! It means “to hang out” and comes from the English “hang.” For instance:

“Let’s hanguiar later and listen to Benito’s album.”

8. Tapón

Every Puerto Rican knows the struggle of a tapón—traffic jams! Benito even mentions them in his lyrics, painting a picture of life on the island.

“Hay tapón, pero con Bad Bunny en la radio, no me importa.”

9. Embuste

When someone’s lying or exaggerating, call it an embuste. It’s the Puerto Rican way of saying, “Stop lying!” For example:

“You met Bad Bunny? Embuste!”

10. Jartera

After a night of perreo, you’ll want to enjoy a jartera—a feast! This word describes eating so much that you’re ready to nap. Bad Bunny’s lyrics often mention Puerto Rican food, from pasteles to pitorro.

11. Al Garete

When something is out of control or wild, it’s al garete. Whether it’s a crazy party or just life in general, this phrase captures the vibe.

“Last night’s concert was al garete!”

12. Bochinche

Puerto Ricans love their gossip, or bochinche. Whether it’s about a neighbor or a celebrity, it’s all part of the culture. Just don’t believe everything you hear—it might be an embuste!

13. Jíbaro

Bad Bunny often uses jíbaro to honor Puerto Rican roots. Originally, it referred to people from the countryside, but now it’s a symbol of pride in tradition and simplicity.

14. Duro/Dura

In Puerto Rico, being duro means you’re the best at something. Like how Bad Bunny is duro at making hits!

“Esa canción está dura.”

15. Bembé

Ready for a party? A bembé is a big celebration, and Puerto Ricans know how to throw one. Between the music, food, and dancing, you’ll understand why Bad Bunny says “La vida es un bembé.”