If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, understanding the local slang, known as "Tico slang", can greatly enhance your experience. The language in Costa Rica is not just Spanish; it's infused with unique expressions that reflect the country's laid-back and friendly culture. Discover several popular Costa Rican expressions you need to know in this article before visiting Costa Rica.
Basic expression of the Costa Rican language
"Pura Vida"
What's the definition of "Pura Vida"? In Costa Rica, "Pura Vida" is more than just a phrase—it's a way of life. While it translates to "pure life," the expression embodies the essence of Costa Rican culture: vibrant, positive, and deeply connected to nature. It embodies the Tico way of life—optimistic, relaxed, and appreciative of the moment. Used in greetings, farewells, and everyday conversation, "Pura Vida" also reflects the nation's commitment to living fully and harmoniously. This mindset is evident in Costa Rica's leadership in conservation and sustainability, making it a place where the vitality of life is palpable everywhere you go.
The phrase “Pura Vida” can be used as "hey," "what’s up," "how are you?", "take care", "goodbye", and almost any other greeting, well wishes, or farewell you can think of. It’s how the people live in Costa Rica. Pura vida!
"Tico" o "Tica"
"Tico"/"Tica" is an idiomatic term used for a native of Costa Rica. Costa Ricans are usually called ticos by themselves as well as by people of other Spanish-speaking countries. The origin arises from the ancient custom of adding the diminutive “tico” or “tica” to adjectives. For example, instead of “chiquito” : small, “chiquitico”.
"Mae"
Similar to "dude" or "bro" in English, "mae" is a word you'll hear in nearly every conversation between Ticos, reflecting their casual and friendly interactions.
"Birra"
If you're in the mood for a beer, just ask for a "birra," the Tico slang for a cold one.
"Goma"
After a night of too many birras, you might wake up with a "goma". The term humorously reflects how a hangover can stick to you like glue. It's used to express that deathly feeling everyone wishes to avoid without trying to avoid it : "a hangover".
Expression to share your excitement
"Tuanis" o "Que Chiva"
Uniquely Costa Rican words. In Costa Rica, “Tuanis” means that someting is "fine", "sweet", "cool", "nice" or "ok". It's a versatile term you'll quickly get the hang of. For example, "Que tuanis, tome tantas birras y no levante con goma” means" Sweet, I drank so many beers but didn’t wake up with a hangover”.
You can also say "que chiva" or "chuzo" which is like “that’s so cool.”
"A cachete"
Cachete is literally a cheek, but locals use the phrase “a cachete” to define that something is good or doing good. For example, if you ask your friend how things are doing on his business, the response can be “Mae, a cachete” meaning that everything is going great, everything is positive.
A cachete comes from “a cachete lleno” which means “full mouth”, which is also considered something good.
"Qué pichudo!"
It's an expression of wonder or excitement about a thing, a fact, an activity, etc., and also for things that are difficult to do. It can be said before a prayer or alone. Pichudo can also be mixed with other elements.
For example
"Qué pichudo! está tu carro nuevo" : how cool is your new car
"Este examen de Matemáticas está bien pichudo" : this Mathematics exam is very hard
"Por dicha"
A casual expression of luck or fortune. Literally, it means ‘by bliss’! For example: “Por dicha, no llegué tarde a cenar.” : Luckily, I wasn’t late for dinner.
"Qué dicha"
Equivalent to "thank goodness". For example: “Qué dicha que estés bien.” : thank goodness you're okay.
"Que buena nota"
Also known as "buena onda" that literaly means "good grade" "good note". We use that phrase most of the time to say thanks or to refer to somebody that did something nice or that person is a good person.
For example:
"Buena nota mae gracias por traerme las chanclas" : thank you for bringing me the flip flops.
"Ese mae si es buena nota" : that guy is nice.
"Qué lindo!" o "Que bonito!"
"Lindo" is an adjective which is often translated as "pretty". "Qué bonito" is a phrase which is often translated as "how pretty" or "how nice".
Expression to use daily
"Al Chile"
When Ticos want to emphasize that they are serious, they use the phrase "al chile," that means “really?” or “are you serious?”. Has more emphasis than “de verdad?” which also is used to mean “really?”
"Chunche"
When you can't remember the name of something, just call it a "chunche." It's the Tico equivalent of "thingamajig.". So if someone asks to give them the chunche, they’re asking you for that thingy over there. It’s also the nickname for a Costa Rica icon costa rican futbol player Mauricio Antonio Montero Chinchilla.
"Jalarse una torta"
If you mess up, you’ve "jalado una torta," a phrase that translates to "pulling a cake" or "what a patty" but means to make an important mistake, break something, screw up, lost something. Also is use for unwanted pregnancy.
For example :
"Mae me jale torta con la wila" : My girlfriend is pregnant.
"Que torta se me olvido traer los pasaportes" : I forgot to bring the passports
"Qué Pelada"
"What a peeled". This expression is used when someone makes an embarrassing mistake, usually in public. For example, "Qué pelada se pegó la sele" means "The national team really messed up."
"Dar pelota"
The translation for “dar pelota” is literally to “give ball”. Ticos use this phrase to mean “pay attention”. In this case is conjugated depending on who you are speaking to or what you are speaking about.
For example:
"Yo doy pelota" is “I pay attention"
"dame pelota" is"give me attention"
"Aye, mae, dame pelota y pásame una birra!" means "Dude, pay me some attention and pass me a beer!"
"Que pega"
In Spanish, to “pegar” means to “stick to”. Just like having sticky hands, or have someone clingy who constantly tries to stick to you, it would be considered annoying. So it makes sense that when a tico exclaims “que pega!” they are expressing their agitation with something or someone they find annoying. Hopefully, they aren’t talking about you when you hear it.
For example:
"Ese mae es una pega" : that guy is so annoying.
"Que pega ir al banco" : it sucks going to the bank (and believe me, don't go there on a Monday 😂)
"Está chiflis" o "está camote"
This expression is used to insinuate that a person is "a bit crazy", that is, they have said or done something crazy.
"Que camote" means "what a yam". This is what we use it for everything related to craziness. This Costa Rican phrase comes from back in the day when they would give people with mental illnesses yam to eat as it was thought something in yams would help them.
"Deme un toque"
Literal translation: give me a touch. This means “give me a second.” This is one of the Costa Rican phrases you shouldn’t use around elders. For example: "Mae deme un toque ya lo llamo" : I will call you right back.
"Manda huevo!"
It is popular phrase to express a feeling of indignation against a person. If for example your friends plan an activity and you are not invited : "¡manda huevo! mae".
"Esta Mamando"
"You are sucking". This phrase is used in Costa Rica when someone is struggling or doing something incorrectly. For example, "Álvaro Saborío está mamando en la sele" : Álvaro Saborío is underperforming on the national soccer team."
"Tengala Adentro"
"Keep it inside." It means to take your time or wait before taking action. For instance, "Mae, tengala adentro, espere por el resultado" translates to "Don't do it, wait for the result."
"Qué Lechero"
"What a milkman". This is said when someone is extremely lucky. For instance, "Ese mae sí es un lechero, ganó la lotería dos veces" translates to "That guy is so lucky, he won the lottery twice."
"Perro amarrado"
Literal translated: "tied dog", and it means to owe money. For example: "tengo un perro amarrado en la pulperia" : I owe money to the grocery store.
"Harina"
Literal translation: "flour" in english. It is used as Costa Rican slang for money. Pretty much the equivalent to the English word “dough” as a slang way to call money.
So, are you ready to speak the real Costa Rican Tico slang?
Tico slang is more than just a way of speaking—it's a vibrant expression of Costa Rican culture, values, and humor. From "pura vida," a phrase embodying the Costa Rican spirit of optimism and contentment, to "tuanis," meaning “cool” or “awesome,” these words offer a unique window into the local way of life. If you're intrigued by these phrases and want to dive deeper into real Costa Rican Spanish, consider joining our Spanish immersion program. Located in beautiful Manuel Antonio, this experience is designed for those who want to learn the language in an authentic setting with a local teacher. You can learn more and book your spot here: Spanish Immersion Program in Manuel Antonio.