What are origins of the name "Costa Rica"?

[quantumleap]

OK, I have the Costa = coast part down. I'm assuming Rica is the feminine of Ricardo. Who put the "Rica" in "Costa Rica"?

 

[WildBill]

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:

 

[quantumleap]

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".

 

[WHALE]

Because costa (coast) is a feminin word in spanish.

 

[quantumleap]

Thank you WHALE.

 

[DimeBag]

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

 

[WHALE]

The Columbus story is bs for tourists...

 

[DimeBag]

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