The differences in Spanish usage among Spanish-speaking countries are always intriguing and, at times, quite amusing. In a recent viral TikTok video, user @richking93 and his cousin delve into the various words used in Cuba and Puerto Rico to refer to the same things.
The video illustrates how a simple conversation between a Cuban and a Puerto Rican can involve completely different words for everyday objects and situations. For instance, while Cubans use “guagua” to refer to a bus, Puerto Ricans use “guagua” to talk about a van. Another amusing example is how Cubans call the New York Yankees baseball team “escalera,” whereas Puerto Ricans simply use the team’s name.
Cultural and Linguistic Richness
This comparison not only showcases the richness and diversity of the Spanish language but also highlights the cultural particularities of each country. Comments on the video reflect the amazement and laughter of many users discovering that a common word in their country has a completely different meaning in another.
The phenomenon of lexical differences is not exclusive to Cuba and Puerto Rico. Across Latin America and Spain, Spanish adapts and evolves in unique ways, further enriching our shared language. Which of these words were you already familiar with?
Understanding the Lexical Differences Between Cuban and Puerto Rican Spanish
To provide more insight into the fascinating differences between Cuban and Puerto Rican Spanish, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions.
What is a common word difference between Cuban and Puerto Rican Spanish?
One notable difference is the word “guagua.” In Cuba, it means bus, while in Puerto Rico, it refers to a van.
How do Cubans refer to the New York Yankees?
Cubans refer to the New York Yankees as “escalera,” while Puerto Ricans use the team’s actual name.
Are these lexical differences common in other Spanish-speaking countries?
Yes, lexical differences are common across Latin America and Spain, where the Spanish language adapts and evolves uniquely in each region.