Tico

See also: tico and -tico

English

Etymology

From Spanish tico which arose from the frequent use of the diminutive suffix -tico in Costa Rica.

Adjective

Tico (not comparable)

1. (slang) Costa Rican
   • October 1946, National Geographic

     The musical intonation and liberal use of diminutives make Tico Spanish particularly effective for expressing sentiment and affection.

Noun

Tico (plural Ticos)

1. (slang) Costa Rican
   • 1980, Leonard St. Clair, Obsessions:

     Most of the people here are from the embassies. The Ticos—that's what the natives call themselves—come in the evening.

References

• "Tico, n. and adj.". OED Online. March 2013. Oxford University Press.

Anagrams

• -otic, Coit, Toci, coit, otic