criollo
“criollo” means “local” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
local, traditional
Also: home-grown
📝 In Action
Me encanta la comida criolla de este restaurante.
A2I love the local traditional food from this restaurant.
El vals criollo es un baile muy elegante.
B1The traditional creole waltz is a very elegant dance.
Tienen un estilo muy criollo para decorar su casa.
B2They have a very traditional local style for decorating their house.
Creole
Also: Creole language
📝 In Action
Los criollos fueron clave en la independencia de América.
B2The Creoles were key in the independence of America.
Él habla un criollo muy difícil de entender.
C1He speaks a creole language that is very difficult to understand.
Mi abuelo se consideraba un viejo criollo de pura cepa.
C1My grandfather considered himself a true traditional local through and through.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: criollo
Question 1 of 3
If you are eating 'comida criolla' in Peru, what are you likely eating?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Portuguese word 'crioulo,' which comes from 'criar' (to raise). It originally described someone 'raised' in the home of their masters in the colonies.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'criollo' the same thing as 'Creole' in English?
They share the same root, but the English word often refers specifically to Louisiana or Caribbean cultures. In Spanish, it is a much broader term used across almost all Latin American countries to mean 'local' or 'traditional'.
Is it ever used as an insult?
Generally, no. It is usually a term of cultural pride or a neutral historical descriptor. However, like any word, tone and context matter.
Can I use 'criollo' for animals?
Yes! A 'perro criollo' is often used to describe a local mixed-breed dog that is native to the area.