How to Pronounce Puerto Rican

Meaning and Context

A Puerto Rican is a citizen or national of Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island and unincorporated U.S. territory with a complex political status. The identity is a vibrant tapestry woven from the island's history, beginning with the indigenous Taíno people, followed by centuries of Spanish colonization that introduced European language and customs, and the profound influence of enslaved Africans. This unique fusion is vividly expressed in Puerto Rican culture, from the driving rhythms of plena and bomba music to the globally beloved salsa, and in its culinary staples like mofongo and lechón asado. The term also relates directly to the Puerto Rican diaspora, a significant community primarily within the mainland United States, which maintains strong cultural ties to the island. Politically, individuals born on the island are U.S. citizens by birth under the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917, though they cannot vote in presidential elections while residing in Puerto Rico. The ongoing debate over Puerto Rico statehood versus its current territorial status is a central aspect of contemporary Puerto Rican identity, reflecting a resilient people with a distinct national character within the American framework.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling is "Puerto Rican," with both words capitalized and a space between them. Common errors often stem from misspelling "Puerto" itself, leading to frequent typos like "Porto Rican," an archaic Anglicization that was once common but is now considered incorrect. Other frequent misspellings include "Puerto Rican" (missing the 'e'), "Puerto Ricoan," or the compounded "PuertoRican." In Spanish, the correct term is "puertorriqueño" (masculine) or "puertorriqueña" (feminine), often abbreviated colloquially as "boricua," a derivation from the Taíno name for the island, Borikén. It is important to avoid the hyphenated form "Puerto-Rican," which is not standard in modern English usage. The demonym for things pertaining to Puerto Rico is also "Puerto Rican," as in "Puerto Rican cuisine" or "Puerto Rican history."

Example Sentences

The Puerto Rican community in New York City has been instrumental in the development of Latin jazz and hip-hop.

Every December, the streets of Old San Juan come alive during the Puerto Rican holiday tradition of Parrandas, a festive version of caroling.

Her Puerto Rican heritage was a source of immense pride, reflected in the coquí frog tattoo on her wrist.

The Puerto Rican legislative assembly passed a new economic incentive law in 2022.

Many Puerto Rican families have a cherished recipe for pasteles, a dish typically prepared during the Christmas season.

The study focused on the voting patterns of the Puerto Rican diaspora in Florida.

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