Understanding "Marca Mandarina": A Guide to Cuban Slang in Reggaeton Music

The reggaeton song "Marca Mandarina," performed by Oniel Bebeshito and El Taiger, is drawing international attention to Cuban culture and the island's unique slang. In less than two months since its release, this track has amassed over 13 million views on YouTube. Many people are dancing to its rhythm without understanding the lyrics.

What is "Marca Mandarina" About?

"Marca Mandarina" is a reggaeton track filled with Cubanisms—terms deeply rooted in popular Cuban slang that can be difficult for other Spanish speakers to grasp. Surprisingly, it is a "love song." The lyrics are directed at a woman with whom the author presumably had a relationship.

In the verses sung by El Taiger, the artist addresses the woman's alleged boyfriend, calling him "marca mandarina" among other insults. The song has a humorous tone and reflects the playful nature of Cuban choteo. While a literal interpretation might offend some, this reggaeton track is the perfect choice if you want your ex to break up with their partner and come back to you.

What Does "Marca Mandarina" Mean?

In Cuba, the term "mango" is used to describe a man who is "good-looking," desirable, sexy, and "delicious." The comparison between the fruit and sensuality is a colloquial way of speaking. Oniel Bebeshito, in other songs, has referred to himself as the "marca Mango," meaning he is the authentic and desirable brand because everyone wants a taste of his music.

Mangoes in Cuba are typically large, juicy, and versatile in cuisine. They are eaten in slices, juices, smoothies, and are often sucked on, creating a vivid image that connects with the essence of this song.

In contrast, Bebeshito and El Taiger introduce the "marca Mandarina," based on the idea of a citrus fruit that is sour, small, and much less versatile compared to a mango. The "marca Mandarina" symbolizes mediocrity, something that doesn't reach popular appeal, something no one wants to flaunt or wear.

Translating the Lyrics of "Marca Mandarina"

Your boyfriend is always throwing shade at me (Your boyfriend is constantly offending me)
Throwing indirect jabs at me (Throwing indirect criticisms at me).
Stop lying to him
Tell him I was your first (Tell him I was your first lover, your first sexual relationship).
What's between you and me is forever
And what he has is temporary.
Tell him that when you act classy with me
With the "gordo" you get down (The "gordo" could literally refer to the singer El Taiger or imply a sexual connotation referring to the male genitalia).
I'm the one who destroys you
Leave him burned, leave him burned (Leaving him burned means standing him up, leaving him alone and waiting).
Tell him 'Papi, walk away' (The expression "walk away" means "leave," "move on without me").
Leave him burned, leave him burned
Tell him to move on
That he's not a "marca mango"
That he's a "marca mandarina"
Show-off, not a cuckold, routine. (Show-off, not a cuckold; "routine" refers to the attitude of boastful Cuban men who act overly brave, especially in marginalized neighborhoods of Havana).
To help you out, take a painkiller
Having a sad "pipi" also affects your urine
Because you're typical, tasteless
And mine tastes exquisite (El Taiger adjusts the accentuation for the rhyme to fit).
Mandarina, you're a citrus fruit, you don't compare to mangoes.
Because you're just a jar
Listen, look, trash!:
Anyone can take your girl,
Anyone can make you a cuckold.
I'm the one who destroys you
Baby, leave him burned, leave him burned
Tell him 'Papi, walk away'
Leave him burned, leave him burned
Tell him to move on
That he's not a "marca mango"
That he's a "marca mandarina"
Show-off, not a cuckold, routine.
I don't know what hurts you
I don't know what's your thorn, get it together
That can be taken care of in China.
All that is "marca mandarina."
Oh my, it's gone to number two (2)
It's gone to number two (2) (A reference to Bebeshito's first album title: "22 Caminos").
Don't act tough, tough (Term referring to prison and also to "tough" men with street experience)
I am the "marca mango."
I'm the one who destroys you
Leave him burned, leave him burned
Tell him 'Papi, walk away'
Leave him burned, leave him burned
Tell him to move on
That he's not a "marca mango"
That he's a "marca mandarina"
Show-off, not a cuckold, routine.
Pri pri pri pri pri pri pri cousin
You did a spell on the piece (You did a spell or witchcraft on the male member or someone)
Stop showing off, I see you stiff (Stop showing off, I see you rigid)
Get off me, you weigh too much
Go away with that face, that face (Colloquial phrase meaning "get away from me, I don't believe you").
I'm the one who destroys you
Leave him burned, leave him burned
Tell him 'Papi, walk away'
Leave him burned, leave him burned
Tell him to move on
That he's not a "marca mango"
That he's a "marca mandarina"
Show-off, not a cuckold, routine.
Omarito with Cuco, Dary hitting it in Miami,
The little pimp who told Arango
To tie down all their pieces
They'll be taken by the "marca mango."
And tra tra tra tra tra tra tra Richard Transimport
Hey Yhona, El Eruke, Papote, papote, papote; Ferrante.
That says Ronald likes it
This is already hitting where it counts.
TM, Ernesto Losa
Raulito heats up the timba (Cuban musical rhythm) Tin tin tin tin tin mandarin
Raulito, Cuba Miami, They are 22 paths. Cuba in Miami, El Taiger, Eleguá... (Eleguá is an orisha, a Yoruba deity that the singer always greets in his songs).