‘Perreo’ is Now Part of the Spanish-Language Dictionary

The word “perreo” is now officially in the Spanish-language dictionary. On Nov. 28, the Diccionario de la lengua española (DLE) of the Real Academia Española [Spanish Royal Academy] recognized the word in the academic compilation. Other words formally recognized and included are “crack,” “bracket,” and “sexting.”

“Perreo” is properly defined as “a dance that is generally performed to the rhythm of reggaeton, with erotic hip movements, and in which, when danced in pairs, the man usually stands behind the woman with their bodies close together,” per DLE. Other forms of the word include “perrear,” which is the verb form of perreo. 

Although “perreo” is commonly used in popular songs, it’s a challenge to be recognized in the official lexicon. According to NBC News, getting words accepted in the Spanish-language dictionary is a thorough procedure. Word suggestions go through a process where experts must provide evidence and documents as to why the term is popular and should be acknowledged. Experts also must include a “brief definition based on lexicographic criteria.” 

The newly recognized words were reportedly presented by the director of the Real Academia Española, Santiago Muñoz Machado, and the head of its Institute of Lexicography, Elena Zamora. This update marks the second to last update before the Real Academia Española’s 24th edition, which will be released in 2026. The 23rd edition was released in print in October 2014.

The Diccionario de la lengua española is known as the academic lexicographic work of excellence. The idea of having a word directory was formed in 1780 with a single volume named Diccionario de autoridades (1726-1739). Now, it’s known as a collaboration by the Asociación de Academias de la Lengua Española [Association of Spanish-Language Academies] – which includes the official language academies of Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, El Salvador, and Venezuela, to name a few – that aim to collect the general lexicon used in Spain and Hispanic countries.