Interactive SpanishHome › Dominican Spanish › Slang dictionary › el perico ripiao
What does «el perico ripiao» mean in Dominican Spanish?
el perico ripiao
traditional merengue
| Meaning | traditional merengue |
|---|---|
| Standard Spanish | merengue típico |
| Register | Neutral |
«En las patronales siempre hay perico ripiao.»
There's always traditional merengue at the town festival.
The traditional merengue of the Cibao, played on accordion, güira and tambora. The name is old and its origin is disputed.
Related Dominican words
- Dios te bendiga — God bless you
- ahí mimo — right there, close by
- apagón — blackout, power cut
- arreglarse — to get dressed up
- bendición — blessing (a greeting to elders)
- coger lucha — to stress out
- colmado — corner store
- concho — shared route car
- criollo — local, homegrown
- echar pa'lante — to push forward
Practise Dominican Spanish on your phone
The free app Learn Dominican Spanish teaches these words in real conversations, with Dominican audio, games and a map of the Dominican Republic.
Free: 50 Dominican words you'll hear on day one
A 10-page PDF with meanings and real examples. Straight to your inbox.
Learn to speak it, not just read it
These words come from the course of José, a Dominican Spanish teacher. Practise them in context with the free lessons, or book a class and talk with a real Dominican.