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Los códigos—literally “the codes”—can mean several things in Puerto Rico.
1. The street code
The rules of conduct, loyalty, and silence in the street. Breaking los códigos by becoming a [[en/Palabras/Chota|chota]], informing, or betraying someone is the ultimate offense. A real [[en/Palabras/Maleante|maleante]] lives by the code.
This song captures the idea well:
2. “Cheat codes”
More generally, los códigos can be a secret, trick, or piece of insider information that gives you an advantage: video-game cheat codes for real life. A friend “putting you on” to something is giving you los códigos.
Closest English equivalents
- “The code” or “street code” in street contexts.
- “The cheat codes,” “inside knowledge,” or “the secret sauce” more generally.
Usage
Street context:
Él no respeta los códigos, por eso nadie confía en él. — He does not respect the code, so nobody trusts him.
Cuando vayas a La Perla, tienes que respetar los códigos, brodel. — When you go to La Perla, you have to respect the code, brother.
General context:
Ah, diablo, bro, esos son códigos. — Damn, bro, that is insider knowledge.
Pásame los códigos para ese website de películas. — Send me the hookup for that movie website.
Origin and context
The term exploded in popularity through reggaetón, trap, and [[en/Palabras/Maleante|maleanteo]], where hierarchy and loyalty are constant themes. From there it jumped into everyday speech for any winning strategy or piece of insider knowledge.