Tico is a slur used to describe Costa ricans in a derogatory way. Nickname, non-derogatory.
The word Tico is a racial slur that has been used historically to degrade and dehumanize costa ricans. The word is still used by some people for this purpose, and it is seen as offensive and hurtful to costa ricans. If you are unsure about whether or not it is appropriate to use the word Tico, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it in any situation.