Meet the Author: José Antonio González Ugalde

By Pat Cheek 

14 years went  into the writing and publishing of this book: Dictionary of Costa Rican Slang – now that’s dedication! I met with José  during the holidays for a cup of coffee and enjoyed hearing the story of how it all came about. 

José grew up surrounded by coffee plantations in Barrio Cristo Rey de Flores in the providence of Heredia. He is the youngest boy of 17 children and the only one in his family to graduate from high school and college. He is presently working on his Masters in Translation at the Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica. He also spent 3 years living in the US and teaching Spanish as a second language to middle and high school students. 

First to write in Spanish beginning in 1996 and then English was a huge undertaking. He presented the book to the National Registry only to be turned down due to a law that regarded the dictionary as too “vulgar”. Later, in 2009 with a change in the law it was accepted. This book represents the most complete references to all Costa Rica slang and at times may seem a little vulgar and possibly not for children to read but it does reflect a complete part of the true language used. It does give those of us trying to understand Spanish a great insight in to some of the phrases we hear. José hopes that everyone will enjoy reading and use the book. 

José lives in Santa Barbara de Heredia with his wife and son. The book is now in the Library Lehman in San José and the Universal Bookstore and available locally at Jaime Peligro Book Store, Mot Mot Gift Store, Café Milagro and Regalamé. Pick up our copy today and start learning all those sayings that have left you wondering what was just said! It is a very interesting, funny and enjoyable read. Thanks José.