Neither La Extra nor La Teja are examples of good journalism, but can serve as useful tools for learning Costa Rican slang. Both are the most read newspapers in Costa Rica,. They are famous for their use of red ink in their headlines and sensationalism.

Why does one need to learn the local lingo? Because most of the Costa Ricans use it and you may be lost at times without it.

Here are the some of the words I found in both papers the other day:

Bombazo – a loud noise produced by a car crash or a big news event like a scandal
Guatear – to rain or take a bath
Cacos – criminals
Chepito – a nosey person or snoop
Colmillo – literally means fang but in this case it means to be shrewd or smart. Vivo is a synonym.
Echarle ojo – means to look at something
Fiebre – a soccer (football) fanatic
Melones – literally means melons but is slang for the word “millions”
Oijotos – agents from the O.I.J. investigative unit
Rodar cabezas – heads will roll which means people will get fired. Cortar el rabo also means to fire someone.
Secre – short for secretary
Silla caliente – the hot seat like the witness stand during a trial
Tabo – jail. El tarro (the can) is also used
Trocha – a road. This term has been in the news lately when referring the road being built along the border with Nicaragua.
Tucas – a woman’s legs
Una mami– a good looking woman
Volarle filazos – to stab someone