Top 10 Puerto Rican Slang Words
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Puerto Rican Spanish has its own unique rhythm, and if you’re studying abroad there, you’ll quickly notice locals dropping words and phrases you’ve never seen in a textbook. Understanding Puerto Rican slang will help you navigate conversations, connect with people, and feel more at home on the island.
Whether you're grabbing a bite from a food truck, bonding with new friends, or just trying to decode the conversation, these top 10 slang words will have you speaking like a true local in no time.
Top 5 Puerto Rican Slang Words to Learn
Before you touch down in Puerto Rico, get ahead of the game with these five must-know slang words. Get ready to drop these words like you’ve been living in Puerto Rico your whole life!
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Puerto Rican Slang Word #1: Boricua
Meaning: "A proud Puerto Rican person"
Often used to refer to someone from Puerto Rico or someone who is deeply proud of their Puerto Rican roots.
For example: "¡Eso es un Boricua de corazón!" – "That’s a Puerto Rican at heart!"
Puerto Rican Slang Word #2: Janguear
Meaning: "To hang out"
Used to describe the act of chilling, hanging out, or spending time with friends in a laid-back way.
For example: "Vamos a janguear en la playa este fin de semana." – "Let’s hang out at the beach this weekend."
Puerto Rican Slang Word #3: Pichea
Meaning: "Forget about it" or "Let it go"
Used when telling someone to ignore something or not to worry about it.
For example: "No te preocupes, pichea." – "Don’t worry about it, forget it."
Puerto Rican Slang Word #4: Mamey
Meaning: "Easy or simple"
Used to describe something that is effortless or uncomplicated, similar to saying "a piece of cake."
For example: "Eso fue mamey, lo hice en 5 minutos." – "That was super easy, I did it in 5 minutes."
Puerto Rican Slang Word #5: Tiraera
Meaning: "A diss or insult"
Used when someone throws shade or disses someone else, usually in a playful or competitive way.
For example: "Ese rapero hizo una tiraera bien fuerte contra el otro." – "That rapper threw some serious shade at the other one."
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Top 5 Puerto Rican Slang Phrases to Learn
If you want to sound like a true Boricua, you’ve got to master these top 5 Puerto Rican slang phrases. From everyday convos to hanging out with new friends, these phrases will make you sound smooth and in the know.
Puerto Rican Slang Phrase #1: Está cabrón
Meaning: "That’s crazy" or "That’s awesome."
While cabrón can have a negative connotation in some places, in Puerto Rico it’s often used to express amazement or admiration.
Example: “¡Ese concierto estuvo cabrón!” – "That concert was crazy!"
Puerto Rican Slang Phrase #2: ¿Qué es la que hay?
Meaning: "What's up?"
Used as a casual greeting to ask what’s going on.
Example: “¡Ey, ¿qué es la que hay?!” – "Hey, what’s up?!"
Puerto Rican Slang Phrase #3: A fuego
Meaning: "On fire" or "Doing great!"
Describes something that’s going really well or something that’s incredibly impressive.
Example: "Ese equipo está a fuego." – "That team is on fire."
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Puerto Rican Slang Phrase #4: ¿Qué está pasando, mano?
Meaning: "What’s happening, bro?"
A relaxed and friendly way to ask someone what’s up.
Example: "¿Qué está pasando, mano? No te vi ayer." – "What’s happening, bro? I didn’t see you yesterday."
Puerto Rican Slang Phrase #5: Más perdido que un juey bizco
Meaning: "Completely lost" (literally: "More lost than a cross-eyed crab").
Used to describe someone who is very confused or has no idea what’s going on.
Example: "Llegué a la uni el primer día y estaba más perdido que un juey bizco." – "I got to campus on the first day and was completely lost."
CIEE Puerto Rico Programs
Study abroad vibes without the passport stress! With CIEE Puerto Rico, you’ll dive into island life, level up your Spanish, and soak in the rich culture – all while earning credits in paradise!
Check out some of our incredible programs in San Juan:
- Business + Culture: Spend a full semester in San Juan exploring Puerto Rican culture, taking business courses, and gaining real-world experience with an optional internship.
- Ecology + Sustainability: Explore San Juan through a local lens as you tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges during your semester abroad.
- Engineering, Technology + Sciences: Designed for STEM majors, enroll in engineering, technology, and science courses that align with your degree.
- Semester in San Juan: Choose to spend a semester in Puerto Rico's capital – San Juan – where you'll take courses in a variety of academic topics.
- Semester Intern + Study Abroad: Spend 12 weeks interning abroad part-time (20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while immersing yourself in the rich history of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Summer Intern + Study Abroad: Spend 6 weeks of your summer interning abroad part-time (15-20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while immersing yourself in the stunning coastal views of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Semester Global Internship: Spend 12 weeks interning abroad full-time (30 hours/week) and earning academic credit.
- Summer Global Internship: Spend 8 weeks of your summer interning abroad (approximately 30-40 hours/week) and earning academic credit.
Take Your Studies to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is calling, and with CIEE Study Abroad, you’ll get the perfect mix of academics, adventure, and island vibes. Whether you're exploring colorful streets, hitting the beach after class, or diving into local culture, your study abroad experience here will be anything but ordinary.
Pack your bags because Puerto Rico is waiting for you!