“The duende behind his recycled-material sculptures is inspired by the ocean.”
Noun
1. A quality of passion and inspiration.
2. (In the folklore of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines) A supernatural being or spirit resembling a pixie or imp.
Example Sentences
Word Origin
Spanish, late 17th century
Why this word?
The duende, a mythological figure found in Latin American, Spanish, and Filipino lore, is a mischievous figure that features in stories ranging from merely playful to downright terrifying. However, the Spanish loanword is also a romantic word meaning “a quality of passion and inspiration.” Artists, designers, writers, creators, dancers — all are inhabited by the spirit of duende.