How to Say "Boricua" in Spanish

boricua

/boˈɾikwa/

boricua is the Spanish word for someone from Puerto Rico.

boricua is used to refer to someone from Puerto Rico.

What does it mean word for word?

The term is derived from Borikén, which was the indigenous Taíno name for the island of Puerto Rico.

The term boricua is used specifically to refer to people from Puerto Rico.

As an adjective or noun, boricua follows standard Spanish gender and number agreement, becoming boricuas in the plural.

/boˈɾikwa/

The term is often used as a mark of cultural identity and pride by Puerto Ricans, both on the island and in the diaspora.

While boricua is a source of pride, Puerto Ricans also use the term puertorriqueño in more official or formal contexts. Using boricua in a legal document would be highly unusual.
The term boricua saw a massive surge in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s as part of a cultural revival movement among young Puerto Ricans in the United States.
The word boricua is often paired with the image of the 'coquí' frog, as both are used as shorthand symbols for the Puerto Rican identity.

¡Ese es un boricua puro!
That's a pure Boricua!
¡Esa boricua es la más divertida de todas!
That Boricua is the funniest of all!
Hoy celebramos el orgullo boricua con una gran fiesta.
Today we celebrate Boricua pride with a big party.
¿Vamos a comer comida boricua esta noche?
Shall we go eat Puerto Rican food tonight?
Ella es una boricua orgullosa.
She is a proud Puerto Rican.
Mi mejor amigo es boricua.
My best friend is Puerto Rican.

Two friends are talking about their heritage at a cafe.

Elena

¿Eres boricua, Alejandro?
Are you Puerto Rican, Alejandro?
Alejandro

Sí, soy boricua de pura cepa.
Yes, I am a true Puerto Rican.
Elena

¡Qué bueno! Yo también soy boricua.
That's great! I am Puerto Rican too.
Alejandro

Entonces compartimos las mismas raíces, Elena.
Then we share the same roots, Elena.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏