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The slang of the "pura vida" |
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One of the tasks that awaits for us when we visit a new country is to familiarize with the expressions and nuances of the particular language of the area, and Costa Rica is not an exception.The "tico" Spanish is rich in variations and unique expressions well worthed to learn.
Pura Vida! This two words, which
represent Costa Rica worldwide, were joint to express the satisfaction towards life that characterizes Costa Rican citizens. It is the same as saying "Everything is great!" "Life is good!".This expression is used to describe life overall and positive people and situations. Also, when "How are you?" is asked, the most common answer will be "Pura Vida!".
If we are interested in fully speaking and understanding the Pura Vida language this are other basic words that we must know:
Tico/a: Costarican citizen.
Chunche: Any object of difficult or unknown name.
Brete: Work.
Tuanis: Something amusing or a nice person.
Goma: Hangover, discomfort subsequent to alcohol drinking.
Mejenga: Casual soccer game.
Varas: Excuses, pretexts.
Vacilón: Something fun.
Tatas: Parents.
Pachuco: Vulgar language or person.
Chinear: To fuss over somebody, spoil.
Pinche: Avaricious, miserly.
Chingo: Naked, nude.
Pelón: Bold.
Macho, macha: Clear skinned.
Tapis: To be drunk.
Majar:Mash.
Some key and very common expressions...
Upeehh: Expression used to call somebody's door.
Por dicha: Luckyly.
¿Le cuadra?: Do you like it?
¿Al chile?: Really?
¡Soque!: Hurry up.
?¡Jue'pucha! Similar to "God grief!"
No sia tonto mae!: No way! That's incredible.
Andar salado: Without any luck.
Hablar pajas: Only making trite remarks.
Ser care'barro: Being shameless, barefaced.
Ponerse chiva: To get angry.
Jugar de vivo: To pretend being better.
Hacerse el maje: To avoid responsability, to wash ones hands.
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People and Society 
