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I have recently read that the “Pura Vida” was used much differently than it is now.
Anybody know how and where it originated?
[quote=”2BNCR”]I have recently read that the “Pura Vida” was used much differently than it is now.
Anybody know how and where it originated?[/quote]
2BNCR, try this link: [url=http://www.nacion.com/ln_ee/2007/diciembre/04/opinion1339074.html]Pura Vida[/url]
From what I have gathered the phrase was used by a Mexican comedian in his stage act. When something would go wrong he would exclaim “Pura Vida.”
The book later explains that the comedian went on to star in a movie titled Pura Vida loosley based on his act. Things were constantly going wrong in the movie and he was constantly exclaiming “Pura Vida!”
Sounds like Costa Rica alright!
So I guess Pura Vida was a phrase used to show exasperation when things went wrong. I see why it caught on here.
I wonder how it was corrupted to become an ecological solgan.
[quote=”2BNCR”]…corrupted to become an ecological solgan.[/quote]
All the Ticos I know use “pura vida” as a general greeting, and perhaps sometimes in the ironic sense of the original Mexican comedian. I haven’t heard any Ticos use it in the “corrupted” ecological since. I would guess that that usage has been promulgated by tour operators.
I also don’t see, even if true, how the evolution of the use of “pura vida” from the ironic to the ecological sense could be characterized as a “corruption”.
Jim
Santa Rosa de PoásCorruption in the sense that the useage has corrupted the original meaning.
I rarely here Ticos use Pura Vida when something goes wrong (sarcastically). I hear it as a greeting. Funny, I guess they are trying to warn us that many things go wrong here with out being aware of what they are saying – if you consider the Clavallo useage.
Hey the lights went out again – Pura Vida
No regulation to the imegration law yet – Pura Vida
The line is out the door at the bank – Pura Vida
Insurance cost twice as much as in the states – Pura Vida
Some one changed the title of my property in the registry – Pura Vida
My dog got out for a moment and came back without a collar again – Pura Vida.
The maid stole the good silveware one spoon at a time – Pura Vida
The mechanic switched out some good parts while he was tuning up the car – Pura Vida
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