criollo

Creole

adjective kree-OH-yoh Rare

Origin: From Portuguese crioulo, probably from criar (to raise/breed).

Also means

native, local

Usage Note

Criollo originally described people of European descent born in the Americas, and still carries that historical meaning in colonial and independence-era contexts. In food and everyday speech it now means 'local', 'homegrown', or 'traditional' (e.g. comida criolla = traditional local cuisine). As a noun it refers to a person of that heritage or to a Creole language.

Examples

"La cocina criolla mezcla sabores europeos y americanos."

Natural Translation

Creole cooking blends European and American flavours.

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