What are origins of the name "Costa Rica"?

Search

Oh boy!
Joined
Mar 21, 2004
Messages
38,373
Tokens
OK, I have the Costa = coast part down. I'm assuming Rica is the feminine of Ricardo. Who put the "Rica" in "Costa Rica"?
 

New member
Joined
Sep 21, 2004
Messages
8,781
Tokens
It is simply "Rich Coast". Though it was almost a misnomer for much of its early history under Spanish conquest as it actually was a generally ignored area that was left to extreme poverty. Only after coffee was found and exported did its economy take off.

See the history you learn from your friendly female bartenders when you speak a little Spanish :baba:
 

Oh boy!
Joined
Mar 21, 2004
Messages
38,373
Tokens
Thanks much Wild Bill. Can anyone else elaborate on his story?

I really need to bone up on my Latin languages. I thought the "a" at the end of "Rica" was the feminine of the word. Any reason why it is "Rica" for rich instead of "Rico".
 

New member
Joined
Sep 21, 2004
Messages
1,027
Tokens
Because costa (coast) is a feminin word in spanish.
 

New member
Joined
Sep 21, 2004
Messages
2,246
Tokens
Also Christopher Columbus was misled by the gold worn by the natives that came out to greet them, he assumed that everyone dressed this way, and pressummed the area to be very rich with gold....well that and all the friggin ricas that live here.

Dime
 

New member
Joined
Sep 21, 2004
Messages
2,246
Tokens
I agree, the bartenders at the Del Rey give a much more accurate history than history books do, keep up the good work guys.

Dime
 

Forum statistics

Threads
1,119,556
Messages
13,569,935
Members
100,820
Latest member
rubberguy
The RX is the sports betting industry's leading information portal for bonuses, picks, and sportsbook reviews. Find the best deals offered by a sportsbook in your state and browse our free picks section.FacebookTwitterInstagramContact Usforum@therx.com