TICO DICHOS GONE GRINGO

COLLOQUIAL LANGUAGE LOST IN TRANSLATION

BY STELLA UDEOZOR | LANGUAGE AND DIALECT

Hey honey! Whats up? Gimme a hand, will ya?

As a native-born English speaker, the quotation above is likely to be understood rather easily. However, if
one takes a moment to explore the literal translations of these three subjectively simple phrases, what
was once simple becomes confusing and rather impossible. The inquirer enters a parallel universe where
perhaps a container of honey has the ability to look up and discover what is in the air, while detaching
its hand to offer to a friend in need. Hm, doesnt make much sense when you put it that way, huh.
Language is a powerful tool that grants the human race the ability to express thoughts, emotions, fears,
knowledge, opinions, desires, and more effectively. One of the beauties of language is the ability to
tailor its grammatical restrictions. Language can become a unique communicative tongue that
expresses ideas that may not necessarily have a dictionary definition; a concept otherwise known as,
colloquial language (Kendry, 2013).
When learning a new language, one may be slammed with grammatical texts that demonstrate the
logistics and linguistics of the language. You learn syntax, spelling, expressions, and essential phrases that
would make anyone feel prepared to be immersed in the cultureuntil s/he is sitting at a bar full of
native speakers without clue of what anyone is saying. Colloquial language includes slang, idioms,
expressions, and lay terms that are widely used in common speech (Merritt, 2010). They give character
not only to languages, but regional areas, different social settings, and individual people.
With twenty countries that honor Spanish as their official tongue (WorldAtlas), the language has
colloquially developed in a unique way. The form of which individuals speak is distinguishable between
borders, giving each country a one of a kind twist. In my four months in Costa Rica, I have been
intrigued by the distinct vocabulary used by the native speakers. My curiosity to learn more about the
colloquial language of Costa Rica led me to the world of Pachuco, or Tico Dichos. Simply put, these
are common phrases and words that are unique to Costa Rican lingo, and not as commonly used in
other Spanish-speaking countries. This photo essay explores five different tico dichos that express ideas in
which indeed do not make sense when translated into their literal meanings.

ES UN QUE QUE

ES UN QUE QUE
LITERAL TRANSLATION : IT IS A CAKE
COLLOQUIAL TRANSLATION : IT IS REALLY EASY
PHOTO TECHNIQUE : RULE OF THIRDS & SIMPLIFY THE SCENE

An English-speaker may find a common saying such as this easy to understand when
compared to the English phrase, Thats a piece of cake. One may question, however,
what it is that makes this cake so easy. Although it is likely that the origin of common
saying such as this may vary by source, this particular phrase as used in the United States
traces back to the 1800s during slavery. During some processions or social gatherings,
cakes were awarded to the most graceful slave couple. It was considered an easy
competition to win, hence the birth of the phrase (Chapman). As for the phrased used in
Costa Rican slang in Spanish, it is possible that it was adapted from the English saying, or
that it has a different cultural background. This goes to show the influence history has on the
use of colloquial language in a culture.

TE LA PELASTE MAE!

TE LA PELASTE MAE!
LITERAL TRANSLATION : YOU PEELED IT (MAE)!
COLLOQUIAL TRANSLATION : YOU MESSED UP MAN/DUDE!
PHOTO TECHNIQUE : FROZEN MOVEMENT
What better way to let a friend know they really messed up than a peeled banana?
Although the verb pelar literally translates to to peel, or to shave, this phrase alters
its significance. According to Merritt, slang is unavoidable, no matter what language
youre speaking.
Colloquial language also opens the door to a world full of terms of endearment,
nicknames, and other types of name filters. In Costa Rica, the term mae can be used to
refer to virtually anyone depending on context. Although there is no direct translation,
one may compare the term in English to others such as dude, man, mate, amongst
several others. The use of name filters such as these is largely selective depending on
regions and their familiar vocabulary, as well as genders and age groups (Merritt, 2010).

QUE PITOS TOCA?

QUE PITOS TOCA?

LITERAL TRANSLATION : WHAT WHISTLES (DO YOU) BLOW?
COLLOQUIAL TRANSLATION : WHATS WRONG WITH YOU?
PHOTO TECHNIQUE : RULE OF THIRDS (SWEET SPOT)
In communication, body language such as facial expression and posture often times speak
for themselves. While a non-native speaker may be thrown of by the translation of this tico
dicho, it is likely that other factors of the expresser can help put the pieces together.

TOME PAL PINTO

TOME PAL PINTO

LITERAL TRANSLATION : TAKE FOR THE (GALLO) PINTO
COLLOQUIAL TRANSLATION : TAKE THAT!
PHOTO TECHNIQUE : FILL THE FRAME

Although the history of the traditional Costa Rican dish, gallo pinto, is not well known, it has made
its way into the homes, restaurants, and bellies of many inhabitants and visitors of Costa Rica. The
speckled appearance of the rice and bean dish gives it is name which indeed literally translates to
spotted rooster (TicoTaste). This shows the creativity used in metaphorical language to refer to
dishes (such as the cuisine hot dog) even if the name does not literally describe the contents of
the dish. The idiom above is drawn from the cultural familiarity of gallo pinto while giving it a
humorous twist. According to Kendry, Metaphors are based in culture, and don't easily translate to
other nationalities or time periods.
The colloquial term pal is a combination of para and el. Although not grammatically correct,
in conversational language it is extremely common to use abbreviations. Colloquialisms give
character and brevity to speech (Kendry, 2013).

NO SE MONTE

NO SE MONTE
LITERAL TRANSLATION : DO NOT RIDE
COLLOQUIAL TRANSLATION : STOP BOTHERING ME
PHOTO TECHNIQUE : LEADING LINE
No one really likes to be nagged and this phrase expresses just that. If someone is
continuously asking for favors, here is a way to let them know enough is enough!

Intercultural communication can be a whirlpool of confusion and uncertainty,

especially when linguistic barriers are involved. Effectively learning a new language
and understanding a different culture should include an investigation into the
everyday use of the language by native speakers. This alludes to a closer and more
intimate understanding of the culture as a whole.
This photo essay give a sneak peak at a whole domain of vocabulary and sayings
that are unique to the pachucos and maes of Costa Rica. The expressive and
unique tongue within the Costa Rican culture sets the nation apart and is highly
identifiable amongst others. As in any culture, every individual is different and has
the ability to choose how s/he expresses her/himself. With this, however, informal
speech is inevitable and can shed a new light on any language.

Works Cited
Chapman, Alan. "Cliche and Expressions Origins." Business Balls. Alan Chapman, n.d. Web. 09
Dec. 2014.
Kendry, Melanie. "What Is Colloquial Language?" Englishteacherhome2. Curve Learn, 28 Apr.
2013. Web. 9 Dec. 2014.
Merritt, Anne. "How Important Are Slang and Idioms in Language Learning?" Matador Network.
Matado Network, 14 Oct. 2010. Web. 10 Dec. 2014.
Taringa. "Los Dichos De Los Ticos... (Buenisimo)." Taringa! Wiroos, 2010. Web. 10 Dec. 2014
TicoTaste. "Gallo Pinto." TicoTaste De Costa Rica. TicoTaste, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2014.
World Atlas. "Spanish Speaking Countries." World Atlas. Graphic Maps, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.