The article below does not advocate the use of drugs. It is only intended to familiarize you with Costa Rican slang that you may hear on the local news or read in the Spanish newspapers.
Adicto – addict
Allanamiento or redada or operativo – a drug bust or raid
Amansalocos or calmantes or tranquilizantes – tranquilizers or a
De la noche a la mañana – overnight. No se puede aprender el español de la noche a la mañana. You can’t learn Spanish overnight.
El día de mañana – some time in the future
El mañana – the future. María trabaja para el mañana. Mary works for the future.
¡Hasta
The word “paso” has a variety of meanings and is used in a many expressions. It can mean: pace, footstep, a mountain pass and more.
A buen paso – at a good speed
A dos pasos – near to here. A pocos pasos, a un brinco or a un tiro de piedra (a stone’s throw away) are also used to express the same
The word “paso” has a variety of meanings and is used in a many expressions
A cada paso – at every turn Fracaso a cada paso. I fail every step of the way.
A paso de tortuga – at a snail’s pace. José hace todo a paso de tortuga. Joe does everything at a snail’s pace.
Abrir paso a tiros – to shoot one’s
Salonero – waiter
¿Puedo ver el menú? – May I see the menu
¿Puede recomendarme algunos platos? – Can you recommend some dishes?
¿Cuál es la especialidad de la casa? – What’s the special?
El plato del día – The daily special in Costa Rica
¿Qué clase de… tiene? – What kind of
