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balsero

rafter

noun bahl-SEH-roh Rare
Travel & Places Transportation

Also means

raft person

Usage Note

Balsero (from balsa, raft) is the specific term for a person who attempts to emigrate by raft, most notably associated with Cubans who crossed the Florida Straits. The crisis de los balseros (1994 Cuban rafter crisis) embedded the term in political discourse. It can also mean a raft builder or operator in more literal, non-political contexts.

Examples

"Muchos balseros cubanos llegaron a las costas de Florida."

Natural Translation

Many Cuban rafters reached the shores of Florida.

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