chiringa
Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico a kite is a chiringa. The standard Spanish word cometa is understood, but Puerto Ricans almost always say chiringa. It is also called Papalote.
Meaning: toy flown on a string (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| chiringa | Puerto Rico |
| Papalote | Mexico, also understood |
| Cometa | standard |
The verb is volar: volar chiringa or volar una chiringa means to fly a kite. People often do it on windy days at open fields and beaches.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico the word is papalote, in Spain it is cometa and in other countries you may hear volantín or barrilete. Chiringa marks Puerto Rican speech.
When do people say it?
The grassy field in front of El Morro in Old San Juan is a famous place to fly kites.
Did you know?
- The field at El Morro is well known as the place where families come to fly chiringas.
Examples in context
- Vamos a volar chiringa al Morro.Let us go fly a kite at El Morro.
- Mi chiringa es roja y azul.My kite is red and blue.
- El viento se llevó la chiringa.The wind took the kite away.
Example conversation
Grandfather Tomás and his grandson Gabriel fly a kite on the lawn of El Morro in San Juan.
- GabrielAbuelo, mi chiringa no sube.Grandpa, my kite will not go up.
- TomásSuéltale más cuerda, nene.Let out more string, kid.
- Gabriel¡Ya sube! ¡Mira qué alto!It is going up! Look how high!
