Can’t Keep Up With Bad Bunny? Here’s the Dictionary You Didn’t Know You Needed
Puerto Rican lexicographer Maia Sherwood Droz has you covered with El ABC de DtMF
Struggling to understand Bad Bunny’s lyrics? Whether it’s his latest album or his music in general, you’re not the only one. Puerto Rican lexicographer Maia Sherwood Droz has put together a dictionary that breaks down the Puerto Rican words, phrases, and cultural references Benito uses in his album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.
The dictionary, titled ‘El ABC de DtMF,’ was created to help listeners dive deeper into the album. Sherwood Droz explains that Bad Bunny’s music has introduced Puerto Rican culture to a global audience. But since his language is highly colloquial, you need the social context to fully grasp the meaning.
“The dictionary opens a window into contemporary Puerto Rican culture—especially for younger audiences, but really for everyone—through the 17 tracks on DtMF,” Sherwood explained.
Hoy se estrenó “El ABC de DtMF” , un abecedario que incluye palabras, frases y referencias culturales puertorriqueñas presentes en el álbum Debí Tirar Más Fotos de Bad Bunny. Este proyecto fue creado por la lexicógrafa puertorriqueña Maia Sherwood Droz. 🇵🇷🐰 pic.twitter.com/6xw9ifxlxu
— Bad Bunny Argentina (@badbunnyarg__) July 10, 2025
What Does ‘The ABCs of DtMF’ Include?
The book includes 415 words, phrases, and cultural references across just 80 pages. It offers a snapshot of Puerto Rico’s cultural identity through the lens of Bad Bunny’s music.
Maia Sherwood explained that the glossary highlights words deeply familiar to Puerto Ricans, like “ajorar” (to pressure or rush someone). “Pitorro” (a type of homemade rum), and “meterle” (to do something with skill and excellence).
It also pulls directly from lyrics on DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS to give Bad Bunny’s listeners the social context behind Puerto Rico’s reality.
For instance, when he says “Aquí sacaron gente por sacar la bandera” (“Here they removed people just for raising the flag”), it refers to the U.S. invasion of 1898, when the island was still a Spanish colony. Or when he sings “de aquí yo no me voy” (“I’m not leaving here”), he’s pointing to the gentrification the island has faced in recent years.
“I believe the importance of this album—and everything that surrounds it—has to do with asking who we are, who we’ve been, and who we’re going to be. Young people are trying to anchor themselves, to find symbols in the middle of instability and uncertainty,” Sherwood said at the book’s launch.
Where Can I Get Bad Bunny’s Dictionary?
The dictionary launched on July 5 in Puerto Rico and had its international debut on Wednesday, July 9. Right now, you can find it in Puerto Rican bookstores or order it online at Libros787.com for $19.99.
International fans can also purchase it through the same site, though for now it’s only available in the United States, Canada, and Australia.