boricua

Puerto Rican

noun adjective boh-REE-kwah Rare

Origin: From Taíno Boriquén, the indigenous name for Puerto Rico.

Usage Note

Boricua is the proud informal demonym for Puerto Ricans, used both as a noun and an adjective. It derives from the Taíno name for the island, Boriquén or Borikén, and carries strong cultural identity. Unlike puertorriqueño (the formal demonym), boricua has no formal feminine inflection — the same form is used for all genders. It is common in both the island and the diaspora.

Examples

"Es boricua y está muy orgullosa de su cultura."

Natural Translation

She is Puerto Rican and very proud of her culture.

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