Rillito

Question

Here in the southwest USA the term Rillito is occasionally used for a small river or perennial stream. Is it a real Spanish word (diminutive for River) or just local jargon?

Thanks for the help!

Dale

Answer 1

We use it in Mexico but "riachuelo" is the right word for a small river, so "rillito" is used because people doesn't know the right word and just apply the rule, ending in "-ito" to mean something smaller.