10 Essential Costa Rican Slang Terms: Origins and Histories

Learning gestures, sayings, and pachuco (slang)—the colorful language of Costa Rica—isn’t about imitating a tico (Costa Rican) or trying to “sound local.” The word pachuco itself refers to informal, playful, and often inventive slang used in everyday conversation, a linguistic expression of identity, humor, and social connection. It is the language of streets, markets, friendships, and spontaneous exchanges—where meaning often goes beyond words to include tone, gesture, and context.

It’s about entering the rhythm of a culture, understanding the country from within, and honoring its people with respeto (respect). Each word carries a history, a story, and a way of seeing the world. In times of cambio (change), an extranjero (foreigner) who truly embraces Costa Rican cultura (culture) and naturaleza (nature) with understanding is an ally in protecting what matters most. Preserving Costa Rican culture is not just the responsibility of its pueblo (people)—it’s a privilegio (privilege) for anyone who loves this remarkable país (country).

Below are ten essential pachuco terms you’ll hear all the time in Costa Rica, listed alphabetically, each with its translation, historical origin, and cultural context:

1. A cachete

Translation: perfect; excellent
Origin & Usage: Literally meaning “to the cheek,” this phrase has been documented in Costa Rican slang since at least the 1950s. It conveys that something is executed perfectly or is excellent. Linguists note it reflects the Costa Rican tendency to use physical metaphors to express approval.

2. Chunche

Translation: thing; gadget; stuff
Origin & Usage: First recorded in Costa Rican speech in the 1940s, chunche is used to refer to objects whose names are forgotten or unknown. Its adaptability in daily conversation reflects the improvisational nature of Costa Rican communication.

3. Dar pelota

Translation: to pay attention; to engage
Origin & Usage: Literally “give the ball,” this phrase was in use as early as the 1960s. It metaphorically represents giving someone focus or attention in conversation. It is often used to indicate engagement or to suggest ignoring someone.

4. De fijo

Translation: for sure; definitely
Origin & Usage: Derived from the Spanish fijo (fixed), this term has been documented in Costa Rican colloquial speech since the 1950s. It expresses certainty and reliability in conversation.

5. Diay

Translation: hey; so; well
Origin & Usage: Short for de ahí (from there), diay has been used since at least the 1960s. It functions as a conversational filler, a greeting, or a way to express surprise. Its use demonstrates the fluid and interactive nature of Costa Rican dialogue.

6. Eso!

Translation: exactly; that’s it!
Origin & Usage: Documented since the 1950s, ¡Eso! is a versatile exclamation used to show agreement, support, or enthusiasm in conversation. Its usage captures spontaneous affirmation in Costa Rican social interactions.

7. Jalarse una torta

Translation: to mess up; to make a mistake
Origin & Usage: Literally “pull a cake,” this metaphorical phrase has been in use since the 1970s. It humorously describes errors or blunders, showing the playful nature of Costa Rican figurative language.

8. La vara

Translation: situation; thing; matter
Origin & Usage: First attested in the 1960s, la vara literally means “the stick” but is used to describe a situation or topic. Its flexible use in conversation demonstrates both subtle emotional nuances and informal social judgment.

9. Mae

Translation: dude; friend; bro
Origin & Usage: Derived from the Spanish verb majar (to pound, often leather for shoemaking), mae has been documented in Costa Rican slang since the early 20th century. Originally referring to someone who pounded leather, the term evolved into a friendly, informal address, losing its occupational meaning but gaining a central role in casual speech.

10. Tuanis

Translation: cool; awesome
Origin & Usage: Documented in Costa Rica since the 1940s, tuanis traces its roots to the Malespín code developed by Salvadoran General Francisco Malespín in 1845. Soldiers and officials used altered vowel and consonant patterns to create coded messages. Costa Rican adoption of tuanis retained the sense of positivity, now meaning “cool” or “awesome.”

Learning these terms is more than a linguistic exercise. Each word opens a window into Costa Rican cultura (culture), naturaleza (nature), and daily life. Using pachuco respectfully allows you to honor the pueblo (people) and participate in a living tradition that reflects humor, creativity, and social connection in a remarkable país (country).