Glossary

Each entry includes the term, a pronunciation guide, and a definition. Many of these words appear in NPC dialogue, radio broadcasts, and game text.

AOV [ah-oh-VAY]

Algemene Ouderdomsverzekering — the old-age pension on Bonaire. At age 65, eligible residents receive a monthly AOV payment from the government.

Awaseru [ah-wah-SEH-roo]

Water seller or water-truck driver. In the dry kunuku, the awaseru is a lifeline — they deliver drinking water to homes and farms not connected to the mains.

Bario [BAH-ree-oh]

Neighborhood. Barios on Bonaire are tight-knit communities where everyone knows each other. Your bario affects your social standing and who you interact with daily.

Batido [bah-TEE-doh]

A fresh fruit shake made with blended tropical fruit, ice, and sometimes milk or condensed milk. A staple refreshment sold at markets and roadside stands.

Bon suerte [bone SWEHR-teh]

Good luck. A common parting phrase meaning 'may fortune smile on you.'

Buriku [boo-REE-koo]

Donkey. Donkeys are iconic to Bonaire — wild donkeys roam the kunuku freely, and the Donkey Sanctuary near Kralendijk cares for hundreds of them.

Dia di Rincon [DEE-ah dee rin-CONE]

Rincon Day — Bonaire's oldest village festival, celebrated annually on April 30. Features traditional music, dance, food, and a reenactment of the village's founding.

Divi-divi [DEE-vee DEE-vee]

A small, windswept tree (Caesalpinia coriaria) native to the Caribbean. On Bonaire, divi-divi trees always lean southwest due to the constant trade winds — they're natural compasses.

Dushi [DOO-shee]

Sweet, nice, pleasant, or beloved. One of the most versatile Papiamentu words. Can describe food, weather, people, or experiences. Also used as a term of endearment.

Fondo Komunal [FON-doh koh-moo-NAHL]

Community Fund. A local lending institution that provides small loans to residents. Interest rates are modest but missing payments can put your land at risk.

Funchi [FOON-chee]

A cornmeal porridge or polenta-like side dish, similar to Caribbean cou-cou or Italian polenta. A staple of Bonairean cuisine, often served with fish or stew.

Kabrito [kah-BREE-toh]

Goat. Goats are everywhere on Bonaire — raised for meat, milk, and as pets. Goat stew (stoba di kabrito) is a traditional dish served at celebrations.

Kompader / Komai [kom-pah-DEHR / koh-MY]

Godparent / Godmother. In Bonaire culture, the kompader relationship is deeply important — it creates an extended family bond that carries social obligations, mutual support, and lifelong connection.

Kunuku [koo-NOO-koo]

A small farm plot or rural homestead. The kunuku is the heart of traditional Bonaire life — a piece of land where you grow crops, raise animals, and build your home. The word also refers broadly to the countryside.

Mangel [MAHN-ghel]

Mangrove. Bonaire's mangrove forests (especially at Lac Bay) are critical nurseries for fish and habitats for birds. Protected by STINAPA.

Muhé di kunuku [moo-HEH dee koo-NOO-koo]

Woman of the countryside. A term of respect for the strong, self-sufficient women who run kunuku homesteads — growing food, raising children, and holding communities together.

Onderstand [ON-der-stahnt]

Social welfare assistance provided to qualifying residents who cannot support themselves. Named from the Dutch 'onderstand' meaning 'support' or 'relief.'

Pastechi [pahs-TEH-chee]

A deep-fried pastry pocket filled with spiced meat, fish, cheese, or vegetables. The quintessential Bonaire street food — sold at markets, bakeries, and roadside stands.

Pekelmeer [PAY-kel-mare]

The salt pans of southern Bonaire. A vast network of crystallizing ponds where seawater is evaporated to produce sea salt. Also the primary habitat of Bonaire's Caribbean flamingos.

Prestamo [PREHS-tah-moh]

A loan. In Bonaire, loans may come from the Community Fund (Fondo Komunal), banks, or private lenders. Terms and interest rates vary significantly.

Simadan [see-mah-DAHN]

The harvest festival — a traditional celebration when the sorghum crop is gathered. Neighbors and kompadres come together to harvest, sing, and feast. An expression of community solidarity.

Slagbaai [SLAHG-bye]

Washington-Slagbaai National Park — a protected nature reserve covering the northern part of Bonaire. Home to wild donkeys, goats, iguanas, and numerous bird species. Popular for hiking.

STINAPA [stee-NAH-pah]

Stichting Nationale Parken — the organization that manages Bonaire's national parks (Washington-Slagbaai and the Bonaire National Marine Park). They issue diving permits and protect the island's natural resources.

Tumba [TOOM-bah]

A traditional Bonairean music and dance genre, especially prominent during Carnival season. Tumba songs have strong African rhythmic roots and are composed new each year for the Carnival competition.

WEB Bonaire [web boh-NIGH-reh]

Water- en Energiebedrijf Bonaire — the island's water and electricity utility company. Responsible for producing drinking water from seawater through reverse osmosis and managing the electrical grid.