www.CostaRicaTicas.com

So it seems there is quite the lively debate about how some of the posters are using the term Tica and Punta interchangeably, and the insulting nature of that. I have a related question so I thought I would expose my ignorance in the hope of getting better educated and having that spur discussion for all of us newbies.

==== The following could easily be wrong, just what I have taken away from the reading so far. Please correct as needed.. Thanks ===

Tica / Tico: Female / Male person of any age that is a "native" Costa Rican. Could be your Mom, your Sister, whomever. Does not indicate class or status.

Punta : Slang (and derogatory) term for prostitute, similar to "whore".

Chica: Slang for Hispanic female, but does not mean prostitute

Misuse of Tica to mean working girl is clearly insulting to the non-working population.
"Punta" seems like it would be a bit insulting as well.

What is a more appropriate word to use for working girl that is less offensive?
What about ladies that just like to party and are not just "working"? Would that just be "chica"?
What about people from other Latin American countries? I *assume* it would be improper to call a Colombian a "Tica".

I'm not trying to be Rico Swave'... But it would be nice to do my part to dispel the A$$hole American image while we are down there.

Punta? Is that like in Punta Gorda, YO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Punta means point/tip or a finger of land jutting out into the ocean among other uses...the word you are looking for is Puta. You are correct on everything else. Calling a Colombian a 'tica' is for sure not a good idea. Even worse is nica (a person from Nicaragua). I usually use 'chica' as a catch all for Latin women. If you want to use a word on here for prostitute, I'd suggest prostitute. Unless you have great Spanish and can recognize the different accents, I'd never suggest using Tica/Nica/Paisa because if you get it wrong, odds are good 'Ms. Right' might take offense.

Never use the word Puta to address any girl...it will cause nothing but trouble. And I for one appreciate your questions and making an effort to use the word correctly.

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

puta mae

Another troll + alias sighting!

And he continues to demonstrate Carlin's theorem...

mh

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mh

Good questions.

It's "puta", not "punta". "Punta" means "point" or "cape" (as in Cape of Good Hope, not Superman's).

Latina women typically don't like to be referred to as "putas" even if they are working prostitutes. It's an term with a highly negative connotation. Asking a woman you just met in the Del Rey or SL "Eres una puta?" is like asking that girl you just met in a Vegas casino, "Are you a whore?". In other words, it's an insult. While technically accurate, even the most jaded working girl will think you're a dick for saying it.

Why is there a need for such a word? If you feel like writing on CRT about your experiences, call them "whores" or "damas de compañía" if you feel the need to be literal.

Around here many use "chica" as short hand for "working girl". Does "chica" mean "whore"? No.

But unlike those using "tica" incorrectly there's no implication -- unintentional or otherwise -- that Costa Rican women are whores, and more importantly you won't be misleading other newbies reading your posts into thinking that it is appropriate to refer to whores as "ticas".

This last point is the one some appear to lack the mental acuity to understand.

Yes. "Chica" means "girl", like when you say, "Hey that girl is cute".

Or you can say "muchacha". Or "mujer".

You want to see a pissed-off Costa Rican woman? Ask her if she's a Nica.

Bear in mind most of the folks around here are trying to help newbies with the whole "tica" misuse thing. You're on vacation in a foreign country and most of you don't speak the language or know the local customs. Most newbies would probably like to know if something they might do or say might cause them problems during their vacation in Costa Rica.

mh

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mh

Thanks for all the great feedback guys. Of course I feel a little silly about "punta", but hey.. I'm learning and get the punta..

Perhaps I need to just stick with Chica because there is no point in insulting someone and finding out they have an over protective brother... doh

I suspect the dynamic with the girls will be a bit different since my wife will be with me. Perhaps I can get with one the local CRT'ers and lean some phrases to politely invite a lady to sit with us and have a drink. From there I bet it will be fairly normal chit-chat.

You want to know what to call them? Say "como te llamas" and call them by their names.

Mattyice,

Completely agree for face to face with the person. But if is a discussion or question about working girls as a group it would be nice to know.

One question I might ask someone would be "Do you know a cool working girl who entertains couples?"

In that case I believe I would go with Chica for the word.

.

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"If you dont think women are explosive,....drop one."

Hey MH knows what he is talking about and Rocky obviously has no clue what so ever!
This site is about learning from those with knowledge, rather than just spouting sh*t!
If you are trying to prove what a total dufass you can be, just go to SJO and refer to all women as Ticas, you should really be well received and reap the due benefits what ever they are! Most likely will be to have the chicas know that you are clueless and a dick to boot! Good Luck

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"What it is, is what it will be!" An expression of Jamaican pidgin about the enevibility of life.

Anyone know the Spanish word for troll?

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Take The Highway To The End Of The Night...The Doors

PENDAYHOE!

+1000

Actually in the FORO I have noticed the Ticos using the same word as us--"TROLL" Yep, they too have a problem with "TROLLS", just not as often it seems!!! And their Admins are on the board almost constantly to "correct" the problem as soon as it starts I mean this guy gets himself banned and a couple days later he is back openly bragging about being banned and coming right back with a new (slightly change) handle!! And now after 3 days of insults, name calling, and denouncing everything we have tried to explain to him, HE IS STILL HERE!! I actually kind of enjoy looking to see what absurdity he will come up with next!!! I just hope that, at least once when he is here, I get to see the reception he gets when he pisses a Chica off!!!

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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!

he probably will be as clueless there as here. He'll insult them, have to pay cien+ for everything, and go home griping about how rude, expensive and unskilled the ladies are in Costa Rica.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!