duende

noun

Etymology: Borrowed from Spanish duende and (especially in reference to Portuguese or Brazilian folklore) Portuguese duende. Doublet of duwende.

1. A small, mischievous humanoid creature in Iberian (Spanish/Portuguese), Latin American, and Philippine folklore/mythology; an imp.

   “For quotations using this term, see Citations:duende.”

2. Heightened inspiration or passion, especially in flamenco.

   “The duende is a momentary burst of inspiration, the blush of all that is truly alive, all that the performer is creating at a certain moment.”

3. Personal charm.