Do you know why Boricuas say “WEPA”?
The origins of “WEPA” takes us back to the Basque expression “AÚPA” or “UPA”, which is a word that they used to mean something needed to be "lifted up".
The Spanish Royal Academy describes it as an expression that means something is "muy importante". It is similar to the other well known Spanish words like Mexico's "ORALE" or "DALE" which was made famous by Pitbull.
In Puerto Rico, our motto is "Live Loud and Proud, and the word "WEPA" encompasses the entirety of that motto. It is a slang word that has a variety of uses that is similar to the English “WOO-HOO!”, “GREAT JOB!”, “CONGRATULATIONS!”, “YEAH!” or “ALL RIGHT!”.
It is primarily used by Spanish speakers, primarily from the Caribbean, and especialmente by us Boricua!
It can express amazement or great happiness and is often a reaction to some good news. It isn’t uncommon to hear this word in events where people are singing and dancing. It encourages high energy, movimiento, and partying.
People sometimes even use it as a noun meaning a joyous feeling!
The expression first rose to prominence in Puerto Rico due to the 1974 Song "El Jogorio (Wepa Wepa Wepa) by Alfonso Velez. This song became an instant hit throughout Latin America and El Caribe.
In 2009 the hashtag #WEPAWEDNESDAY became an alternative or Spanish equivalent to the English #HUMPDAY, which was a way to find an extra bit of joy during the middle of the week instead of griping over the fact that the workweek was only half over.
The hashtag became most Latinx claimed as an opportunidad to celebrar all things Latino!
In 2011 Gloria Estefan came out with a song entitled "Wepa" which gave the word its resurgence as well as in 2015, when the Mexican band, King Del Wepa, joined the music scene, which continued its frequency of use in both Latin music and the dance scene.
The most recent resurgence of the term "WEPA" in the dance scene was during 2019, with the popularity of Cumbia Wepa. Cumbia we know as a musical rhythm popular in traditional folk dances of Latin America, which borrow from American Indians and Africans enslaved during colonial times and Europeans.
Even though the expression "WEPA" isn't widely used on La Isla Del Encanto as much as it is uttered here on the Main Land, we still use it here! Because for one, we know we have created our own sub-cultura here, and that helps us feel closer to our origins and our Isla.
What is the correct usage and pronunciation of this expression you might ask?
Well! We are glad you asked!
One does not just simply say "WEPA" with no meaning or without the proper amount of gusto!
We say "WEPA" when we are happy
We say "WEPA" when we are proud
When saying "WEPA" you must hold the "E" for the longest amount of time possible, and then match the "A" for just as long!
We embrace the word and expression "WEPA" enough to place our beloved brand behind it! Our hope is for our merchandise and productos to instill in your heart a feeling of being on our Isla Preciosa, surrounded by our Gente amorosa, and with a passion and joy to represent all that it is to Boricua!
With that being said, LIVE LOUD AND PROUD, MI GENTE!!
WEEEEEEPAAAAAA!
