General
prieto
What does prieto mean?
A term for a dark-skinned or Black person; feminine 'prieta'. Also used affectionately, though it can be sensitive depending on tone.
"El prieto de la esquina es buena gente."
Origin
Caribbean Spanish; from 'prieto' (dark).
Frequently asked questions
What does 'prieto' mean in Caribbean Spanish?
It refers to a dark-skinned or Black person, with the feminine form 'prieta'.
Is 'prieto' offensive?
It can be used affectionately but is sensitive and depends heavily on tone and context.
Where does 'prieto' come from?
It comes from the adjective 'prieto', meaning dark, used across the Caribbean to describe skin tone.
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