Vamos a ‘Perrear’ Hasta Abajo: ‘Perreo’ Has Been Officially Added to the RAE Dictionary

Not to date myself, but I remember when the word “perreo” entered into Latin music’s lexicon. It was in the early 2000s when reggaeton was trying to make its mark in the mainstream realm and artists such as Daddy Yankee, Wisin Y Yandel, Voltio, Hector El Father, and more, were weaving this word into their lyrics.  

To someone who was learning everything reggaeton, the word “perreo” made sense. It was the type of dance that accompanied the often sexually charged and high-beat songs. However, when the elders started hearing about this word – and asking what it meant – it wasn’t as welcomed as you may imagine. A lot of people felt like this word was too vulgar to even utter. Yet, reggaeton lovers continued perreando, without a care in the world. Now, years later, it has transcended from a unique piece of jargon from those who follow urban Latin music as the Real Academia Española (RAE), the ultimate authority on the Spanish language, added it to its repository.  

The inclusion of “perreo” in the RAE marks a monumental milestone, solidifying its place in linguistic history and validating its significant impact on the world of music and dance. 

The term “perreo,” often associated with reggaeton, has long been a staple in the lexicon of Latin music enthusiasts, representing a distinctive dance characterized by its rhythmic hip movements. This dance form, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America, has now received the ultimate acknowledgment by being enshrined in the official Spanish language dictionary. 

Telemundo affirms this momentous achievement, showcasing how “perreo” has transitioned from a popular dance movement to a linguistic marker recognized by the esteemed RAE. The RAE’s inclusion of “perreo” signifies a pivotal shift, acknowledging the cultural significance and widespread usage of this term within Spanish-speaking communities worldwide. 

NBC News details the significance of “perreo,” elucidating its evolution from a regional dance style to a global phenomenon that transcends borders. After all, the impact of “perreo” within Latino/e communities and its emergence as a defining element of contemporary Latin music and dance culture has been grand. This also underscores the cultural resonance and widespread acceptance of this dance form. 

What it Means That ‘Perreo’ Was Added to the RAE

I will say, however, that the “perreo” I say nowadays is nowhere near as explicit as the “perreo” from the early 2000s – and maybe this evolution of the dance should be welcomed. The early 2000s were wild, man.  

The inclusion of “perreo” in the RAE represents a validation of Latino/e culture and the rich tapestry of dance forms that form an integral part of the Latin music scene. But this is not to say that the Latino/e community needed recognition from the RAE. Let’s not forget that the core Spanish-language is colonization. The way those from Latin American and Carribean regions decide to mold language is valid – regardless of external recognition or validation.  

As for now, we can all take this as a celebration of cultural recognition. So, who’s ready to “perrear”?