General
pariguayo
What does pariguayo mean?
A lame, clueless, or timid person; a party-pooper. Famously said to come from US 'party watcher' Marines who stood around not dancing.
"No seas pariguayo, ven a bailar."
Origin
Dominican Spanish; folk-etymology from English 'party watcher'.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'pariguayo' mean?
It's a Dominican put-down for a clueless, lame, or timid person — a killjoy or party-pooper who just stands around.
Where does the word 'pariguayo' come from?
By popular folk etymology, from the English 'party watcher' — US Marines during the occupation who watched dances without joining in.
Is 'pariguayo' offensive?
It's an insult, but a fairly light one — used to tease someone for being socially awkward or a bore rather than as a harsh slur.
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