It’s not pretty, that’s for sure, but if you’re going to speak Spanish long enough to get a flat tire, or deal with significant bureaucratic trámites, or watch sports of any kind, or navigate the workplace, you’re going to hear it.
In English, I'm a crotchety old-school grump. I am an editor and a former English teacher, and happily embody the worst qualities of both, brandishing a red pen and waging a warring battle against change. In Spanish, I have no such loyalties. I have the tone deafness of the second-language learner.
At some point, you’ve just got to grab the Spanish language by the huevos. I’m sorry, but it has to be done, because if you live in Costa Rica, you might sometimes yearn for sharp cheddar cheese or real maple syrup, but you will never, ever lack for eggs, whether in your kitchen or in the language you hear every day.
Thanks to Tico Times readers, I learned that two ubiquitous Costa Rican slang words - tuanis and brete - have a fascinating Central American tale to tell.
The final mejenga ("match") of the World Cup is set for Sunday afternoon. While La Sele (Costa Rica's national team) won't be playing, you can still watch the game like a Tico with our handy Spanish guide to football slang in Costa Rica.