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Today on LOS40 USA, we’re diving into another quick lesson on Spanish and popular terms within the world of Latin music.

Previously, we’ve taught you some of the most popular words in the urban genre, such as «perreo,» which made its way into the official Spanish language dictionary. We even provided access to our own reggaeton dictionary. Now, let’s delve into something similar: What does the term «boricua» mean?

It’s quite likely you’ve heard or read «boricua» if you’re a fan of reggaetón or Latin music originating from Puerto Rico, as it refers to the demonym of this territory.

Boricua: [noun] a Puerto Rican, or person of Puerto Rican descent: «She’s a proud boricua»; [adjective] of or relating to Puerto Rico or Puerto Ricans: «There are a hundred Boricua restaurants in New York.»

As we’ve reported before, reggaetón is a genre that originated in the neighborhoods of Panama and spread primarily in Puerto Rico. That’s why this word might ring a bell due to artists currently leading the global scene like Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, and Young Miko, as well as those who laid its foundation, such as Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, or Ivy Queen, among others.

The word «Boricua» comes from Borinquen, the name given to the island by the Taíno indigenous people who inhabited Puerto Rico for hundreds of years before the arrival of the Spanish in 1493. The art, music, dances, and traditions of Puerto Rico are the result of this unique fusion of cultures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

So, did you know what «boricua» meant?