Costa Rican slang, often called “pachuco”, includes many unique expressions. Common terms include: “Mae” (dude, guy), “Pura vida” (literally “pure life”, used as a greeting, farewell, or to say “great”), “Tuanis” (cool, nice), “Chiva” (awesome), “Gallo pinto” (traditional rice and beans dish, also used to mean “mess”). “¿Qué me dice?” is a common greeting. Remember, slang usage can vary, so observe how locals use these terms before trying them yourself.
A Guide to Costa Rican Slang
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