Last time, we introduced you to the basics of Tico slang: Pura Vida, Mae, Tuanis. But if you really want to sound like a local in Guanacaste, you'll need to go deeper. Here are seven more words that will have your neighbors nodding in approval.
Diay Pronounced: dee-AY
The ultimate Tico filler word, and one of the most versatile. You'll hear it at the start of sentences, in the middle of stories, and anywhere a pause feels necessary. It can work as a casual "so" or "well," but also as a way to express surprise or prompt an explanation, similar to "what happened?" or "what's going on?"
"Diay, ¿cómo está?" "So, how are you doing?"
"Diay, ¿qué pasó?" "So, what happened?" / "Wait, what's going on?"
Brete Pronounced: BREH-teh
Got a job? In Costa Rica, that's your brete. Whether you're closing a real estate deal or running a surf school, locals will ask "¿y cómo le va en el brete?" how's work going? Simple, direct, very Tico.
"Hoy no puedo, estoy en el brete." "I can't today, I am at work."
Upe Pronounced: OO-peh
Forget knocking. In Costa Rica, you announce yourself at someone's door by calling out "Upe!" It's the polite, friendly way to say "anyone home?" and a sure sign you're settling into local life.
"¡Upe! ¡Buenas!” "Excuse me, hello!"
Chante Pronounced: CHAHN-teh
Home. Your place. Whether it's a beach cottage in Junquillal or a hilltop villa above Flamingo, locals will call it your chante.
"Lléguese a mi chante a ver el partido." "Come to my place to watch the game."
Al Chile Pronounced: al CHEE-leh
Seriously? For real? Al Chile is the Tico way of expressing disbelief or confirming something is absolutely true. You'll use this one more than you expect.
"¿Al chile te vas a vivir a Costa Rica?" "Are you seriously going to live in Costa Rica?"
Mejenga Pronounced: meh-HENG-ah
An informal pickup soccer game, usually organized on the spot with whoever shows up. If your neighbors invite you to a mejenga on a Sunday afternoon, say yes. It's one of the best ways to connect with the community.
"¿Armamos una mejenga en la tarde?" "Should we play a soccer game this afternoon?"
Jupa Pronounced: HOO-pah
Slang for head and often used to tell someone to think things through. "Use la jupa" means use your head. Consider it friendly advice, Tico style.
"Use la jupa antes de hablar." "Use your head before speaking."
Jale Pronounced: HAH-leh
The Tico way of saying "let's go" or "move it." It's the word that gets things moving. Whether you're rounding up friends for a mejenga, heading out to the beach, or just telling someone to stop hesitating. Short, sharp, and very effective.
"¡Jale, que se nos hace tarde!" "Let's go, we're running late!"