When you land in Costa Rica, you’ll quickly notice that locals don’t just speak Spanish—they live it. Their version of the language is vibrant, affectionate, and packed with colorful expressions that even fluent Spanish speakers from other countries might not recognize.
If you want to truly connect with Ticos and go beyond just ordering a casado or catching a wave in Jacó, you’ll need to learn to speak like a Tico.
This post kicks off a fun and beginner-friendly series on the most iconic Costa Rican Spanish slang words. But first, let’s explore what makes Costa Rican Spanish so unique—and why that matters for travelers and expats.
Costa Rican Spanish: A Culture, Not Just a Dialect
Every Spanish-speaking country has its own quirks, but Costa Rican Spanish stands out for its warmth, politeness, and inventiveness.
Ticos are famously polite, often using “usted” (the formal you) even among friends and family. This custom reflects the deep respect woven into social interactions.
At the same time, they use a lively and playful vocabulary full of slang, invented words, and idiomatic expressions. These aren’t phrases you’ll find in your high school Spanish textbook—but they’re essential to understanding conversations, jokes, and even menus.
Why Learn Costa Rican Spanish Slang?
Make Real Connections
Locals light up when a foreigner says something like “¡Qué chiva!” or “Mae, no sea guevón.” Speaking their slang shows genuine effort—not just to learn Spanish, but their Spanish.
Avoid Misunderstandings
Words like vara or diay may confuse Spanish speakers unfamiliar with Tico usage. Learning them in context will help you avoid awkward moments.
Travel Like a Local
Whether you’re chatting with your Airbnb host, bargaining at a feria, or hanging out at the beach, using Costa Rican expressions helps you blend in and experience the culture more authentically.
What’s Coming in This Slang Series?
In the next six blog posts, we’ll dive into these essential Costa Rican slang terms:
Pura Vida
The most iconic phrase in Costa Rica. It’s a greeting, farewell, mindset, and way of life.
Tuanis
A chill way to say “cool” or “awesome,” with an interesting linguistic history.
Chiva
No, it’s not about goats! It means flashy, stylish, or super fun.
Mae
Like “dude” or “bro,” but with regional flair and rules for use.
Vara
A context-heavy word that can mean thing, issue, or even a lie.
Diay
The ultimate filler word, used in dozens of ways. Master it and you’ll sound like a local.
Each post will break down the meaning, pronunciation, real-life examples, and cultural context, including when to use (and when not to use) each word.
More Tico Slang You Should Know
Beyond the six main phrases, here are a few more gems from Costa Rican Spanish to enrich your vocabulary:
- ¡Qué jeta! – Expresses surprise, like “No way!”
- Estar chineado/a – To be pampered or spoiled with affection
- Tapis – A fun way to say someone drinks a lot
- Agüevado/a – Feeling down or discouraged
- Bretear – The Tico version of trabajar (to work)
These phrases offer just a glimpse into how expressive and lively Costa Rican Spanish really is.
Get Ready to Blend In
This blog series is perfect for:
- Travelers
- Digital nomads
- Expats
- Anyone moving to or exploring Costa Rica
Our mission is to help you go beyond “¿Dónde está el baño?” and start using the everyday expressions that build real connections.
By the end of this series, you’ll have a strong foundation in Costa Rican slang, and you’ll feel a lot more at home—possibly with a few new Tico friends.