Hostia
 

Hi,

I've been discovering a lot of (profanities, probably) employing this word. Not enough of them to see the system, unfortunately :D Even Context Reverso is not of much help.

For instance: en la quinta hostia sounds like out there in the sticks, if not worse.

I'd love to have a short list of set expressions employing the subj, with commentaries and etymology, if possible :p

The literal meaning of "hostia" is the consecrated wafer used in religious rituals, but since religion is a very important part of the popular culture, it has acquired many meanings as a cursing in Spain with many meanings. :)

In this case, the whole expression refers to a place that is very far away from the speaker.
Other synonymous expressions:
- En el quinto infierno (Mexico)
- En el quinto palo dulce (I've heard this expression among South Americans, but I don't know how popular it is.)
There are a few others using "quinto", but they use even worse words.

Some examples:
- No quiero ir a tu casa, vives hasta el quinto infierno.
- Nos perdimos varias horas hasta que llegamos a una casa en la quinta hostia.
- Voy a ir en auto porque esta dirección queda hasta el quinto infierno y allá no llega el autobús.

For more meanings, take a look at the DRAE.
By the way, The Free Dictionary has good translations for a few idiomatic expressions with the word. :D
Ask if you need more examples. :)

Thanks! Your links cover the subject nicely.

Additional shades :o :

darse de hostias

ni gracias ni hostias

cagüen la hostia

...y más cagado que la hostia

The last two are particularly rude, so be careful with their use. :)