Costa Rican slang or terms. Speak like a “Tico” in no time. :)

All places and cultures have their own slang words or terms  , which makes them unique. One of the most famous phrases in Costa Rica is the term ” Pura Vida”, literally translated to Pure Life but it is more used to describe a state of mind ( the essence of all good things and taking it easy ). Here are a few words that might help you blend in and feel or talk like a local.

• Tico: A Costa Rican man; plural (Ticos), Costa Rican people
• Tica: A Costa Rican woman
• Macho/Macha: A blond person
• Pura Vida: Literally, pure life; full of life; perfect
• Tipico: Native-style, i.e. Comida Tipica (traditional food)
• Soda: A basic Costa Rican café
• Dolor de Jupa: Headache
• Pachanga: Party
• Muy Helado: Very cold or freezing
• Saludos: Greetings
• Grosero: Rude
• Guila: A Kid
• Comedera: Food or groceries
• Idiay: Hello! What’s new?
• Jumo, Enjumado: Drunk
• Engomado, de goma: Suffering from a hangover
• Pulperia: Corner store
• Salado: Too bad!
• Andar de Tanda: Bar-hopping
• Que Polo: How lame! How corny.
• Buena Nota: Cool or all right
• Que Cuentos: Yeah Right
• Boca: Literally, mouth; A small appetizer
• Mae: A guy, dude.
• Chunche:  a thing
• Agarrado : miser
• Vieras : if you only knew; sure; would you believe
• Jale : let’s go
• Soquele : Hurry up.
• Chiva : cool
• Brete : work
• ¡Cierre el pico! : Shut up!
• Diay: hey
• ¡Tome chichi! : Take that!
• Un tapis : A drink
• zarpe : Last drink of the night.