adj

Tico

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Tico (adj) means Costa Rican; relating to Costa Rica or its people. Example: “She was proud of her tico heritage and cooked traditional gallo pinto every Sunday.”

adj

Costa Rican; relating to Costa Rica or its people.

"She was proud of her tico heritage and cooked traditional gallo pinto every Sunday."

noun

A person from Costa Rica.

"Most of the people here are from the embassies. The Ticos—that's what the natives call themselves—come in the evening." — Leonard St. Clair, Obsessions (1980)

"The hostel was full of ticos showing tourists their favourite beaches."

How to use Tico

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn informal, affectionate word Costa Ricans use for themselves and their culture.

When to use it

Informal and widely used with pride inside Costa Rica; outside the country, "Costa Rican" is the more neutral, formal choice.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Ticos

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She was proud of her _____ heritage and cooked traditional gallo pinto every Sunday.

Etymology

From Costa Ricans' habit of adding the diminutive ending "-tico" to words far more than other Spanish speakers do (so "un poquito" becomes "un poquitico") — the nickname stuck to the people themselves.

Origin: Spanish

Rhymes for Tico

Pico Nico Rico Vico chico calico Enrico portico Serpico Federico Quantico magnifico

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Tico” mean?

The word “Tico” means costa Rican; relating to Costa Rica or its people. In plain terms, an informal, affectionate word Costa Ricans use for themselves and their culture.

How do you use “Tico” in a sentence?

Here is “Tico” used in a sentence: “She was proud of her tico heritage and cooked traditional gallo pinto every Sunday.”

What part of speech is “Tico”?

Depending on how it is used, “Tico” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “Tico” come from?

The word “Tico” comes from Spanish. From Costa Ricans' habit of adding the diminutive ending "-tico" to words far more than other Spanish speakers do (so "un poquito" becomes "un poquitico") — the nickname stuck to the people themselves.

How many meanings does “Tico” have?

“Tico” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: costa Rican; relating to Costa Rica or its people.