apucuyarse

A regional (Andean, notably Peruvian and Bolivian) reflexive verb meaning to crouch, squat, or lower oneself down, often behind or beside something for cover or shelter — a colorful, physically specific verb rarely heard outside that region.

• El niño se apucuyó detrás del muro para esconderse. — The boy crouched down behind the wall to hide.
• Apucúyate un momento, viene alguien. — Crouch down for a moment, someone's coming.
• Se apucuyaron entre los arbustos hasta que pasó el peligro. — They crouched down among the bushes until the danger passed.

Expecting this word to be understood outside Andean Spanish — agacharse is the neutral, universally understood verb for crouching down; apucuyarse will draw blank looks in most other Spanish-speaking countries.

Often confused with agacharse.