In the states, honking is rude or annoying a large
percentage of the time. When it does happen to be an excited person honking at
someone they know- often the other people around them still think it is rude or
annoying. In Costa Rica this is not the case. Here are some reasons for honking
that I have seen…
# 1: Someone switches
lanes and the cars are very close- HONK HONK! Translation: “Excuse me mam/sir,
but I would just like for you to be aware that I am behind and to the right of
you.. Gracias!”
# 2: A car does happen to ask permission to change lanes-
HONK HONK! Translation: “Excuse me mam/sir but I need to get over there” HONK
HONK! “Oh certainly there is room for you, go ahead” HONK HONK! “GRACIAS!” HONK
HONK! “MUCHO GUSTO!”
# 3: Occasionally someone will change lanes or come through
an intersection too fast and HONK HONK! Translation: “WATCH IT!” or “Can’t you
see I am already occupying this space! UGH”
# 4: A taxi sees you and HONK HONK! Translation: “Well I
happen to notice you walking and since I currently do not have any passengers I
wanted to make you aware of my presence because I would really like your money,
If not- Pura Vida Mae”
# 5: While driving through an intersection the driver fears
that someone else may not obey the laws of the stop sign and HONK HONK!
Translation: “Excuse me! I just wanted to let you know I am here and I am
coming through! Gracias!”
# 6: While driving through and intersection the driver does
not plan to obey the laws of the stop sign and HONK HONK! Translation: “HOLA! I
just wanted to let you know that I am here and I am coming through without
stopping! Gracias!”
# 7: While driving a nice gentle man sees a young lady walking
and HONK HONK! Translation: “You look very nice today!”
# 8: While driving a disgusting pervert sees a young lady
walking and HONK HONK! Translation: “I LOVE YOU MAMI!”
I am very sure there are more and when I remember them or
observe them I will be sure to add on!
