Every country has its own slang and Costa Rica is no exception. Tiquismos and Pachuquismos are two types of local slang which are spoken by many, especially the country’s young people. In fact, in Costa Rica prison inmates actually have their own separate jargon that is used for almost any daily situation they may encounter.

Here are some of the terms used in the country’s prisons.

• Abanico is the entrance to any cell block where the guards are stationed.
• Abaniquero is the guard who works at the abanico.
• Arrollado is when an inmate is kicked out of a cell block.
• Barco is used to describe a newly arrived prisoner.
• Barco can also mean drugs or any other item that is smuggled into a jail illicitly.
• Bomba actually means “bomb” or “pump” in proper Spanish. However, in jail slang it is anything people on the outside bring to a person in jail like food or clothing.
• Bombero is the officer or guarda who delivers food.
• Cable is any document sent to a prisoner form the jail’s administrators.
• Cabo is any prisioner who works for another.
• Campana is any individual who warns others if a guard is approaching or a type of look out.
• Cobacha is a sheet inmates use to make a type of tent with which they cover their bunks to have privacy.
• Galeta is a place where things are hidden.
• Jachudo is the inmate who is the leader of a cell block.
• Mandadero is an errand boy.
• Mandarse is a verb used when two prisoners have a fight with a knife.
• Nicho is the bottom part of a bunk.
• Palomar is the top part of a bunk.
• Pasarela is when a guard makes an unannounced visit to a cell.
• Pasonazo is someone who transports something illegal from one place to another like drugs.
• Los perros are the inmates who protect Jachudo or head of all of the inmate population.
• Rancho is any type of prison food or meal.
• Rayado is the head of security in a jail.
• Seño is a female guard.