Neither La Extra nor La Teja newspapers are examples of good journalism, but can serve as useful tools for learning Costa Rican slang. Both papers are famous for their use of sensationalism to attract readers.

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

Here are more words and expressions I found in both publications:

Ajito – white. This word actually means a small garlic. Since garlic is white on the inside it is sometimes used as a synonym for the word white.
Bicho/a – usually means an insect or bug. It can also refer to a person who is a real piece of work, an oddball or a criminal
Cañón, cohete, chopo – all refer to handguns
Celu – short for cell phone
Chivo/a – mad or angry
Coro – short for the city of Coronado
Goico – short for the canton or county in Costa Rica where the capital of Guadalupe is located.
Hacer bisnes – to do business
(la) Muni – short for municipality
El or la presi – short for president
Meneones – shaking
(la) peli – short for of peluquería or barbershop
Relojazo – a heart attack. Comes from the word reloj which means clock or watch. Ticker is the closest word in English.
Salirle a uno el tiro por la culata – means to backfire both literally and figuratively. A José su plan le salío el tiro por la culata. Joe’s plan failed or backfired.
Tamaleada – a big feast with tamales being the main course
Socarse la faja – to tighten one’s belt or spend less money.