criolla: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical, Cultural, Technical (Sociolinguistics, Culinary Arts)
Quick answer
What does “criolla” mean?
A term primarily used to refer to a woman of European descent born in the Americas during the colonial period.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term primarily used to refer to a woman of European descent born in the Americas during the colonial period; also refers to a specific variety of Spanish spoken in colonial Hispanic America.
A style of music, cuisine, or culture blending European and Indigenous American elements; also refers to specific plant cultivars or animal breeds developed in the New World. In Caribbean contexts, denotes cultural forms specific to creole populations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually no difference in core meaning. More likely encountered in British texts regarding colonial Spanish history; in American English, more common in discussions of Latin American culture or cuisine.
Connotations
In both, carries historical/colonial connotations. In cultural contexts, positive connotations of authenticity and hybridity.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Slightly higher in US English due to proximity and cultural exchange with Latin America.
Grammar
How to Use “criolla” in a Sentence
[criolla] of [place/origin][adjective] criollacriolla [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “criolla” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The criolla society of New Spain was complex.
- They studied the criolla dialect of 18th-century Lima.
American English
- The restaurant specializes in criolla cooking from coastal Peru.
- This is a criolla variety of tomato, adapted to local conditions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in tourism marketing for authentic cultural experiences.
Academic
Used in history, Latin American studies, sociolinguistics, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in travel writing or food blogging about Latin America.
Technical
Used in agricultural science for specific cultivars (e.g., maize criolla), in ethnomusicology, and historical demography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “criolla”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “criolla”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “criolla”
- Using "criolla" for male referents (use "criollo"). Confusing it with the broader English term "Creole." Assuming it refers only to race rather than birthplace/culture.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Creole' is a broader English term. 'Criolla' (Spanish) specifically denotes people, culture, or language of Spanish colonial origin in the Americas, whereas 'Creole' can apply to French, Portuguese, etc., contexts.
No. 'Criolla' is the feminine singular form. The masculine form is 'criollo.' The plural forms are 'criollas' (feminine) and 'criollos' (masculine or mixed group).
Not inherently. It is a standard historical and cultural term. However, like all terms related to colonial caste systems, its use requires contextual sensitivity.
Most commonly in historical texts, academic writing on Latin America, menus specializing in Latin American cuisine (e.g., 'salsa criolla'), and in cultural discussions of music or identity in Spanish-speaking Americas.
A term primarily used to refer to a woman of European descent born in the Americas during the colonial period.
Criolla is usually historical, cultural, technical (sociolinguistics, culinary arts) in register.
Criolla: in British English it is pronounced /krɪˈɒlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kriˈoʊlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Salsa criolla" (a type of sauce)”
- “"Música criolla" (a genre)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "CRI-O-LLA" - "CReole, I'm Of Latin American" origin.
Conceptual Metaphor
CULTURAL HYBRID IS A BLENDED RECIPE (e.g., criolla cuisine).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'criolla' LEAST likely to be used correctly?