Brazilian Slang Dictionary: 50+ expressions to learn

Find out which are the most common slang terms in Brazil in this dictionary with over 50 expressions to learn!

Slang	Description
Armar um barraco	Create confusion or trouble.
Bacana	Something cool or interesting.
Baranga	Person considered ugly or unpleasant.
Beleza	Used as a greeting or to indicate that something is okay.
Bicho	Generic term to refer to a person.
Bizu	Information, tip.
Bode	Feeling of irritation or frustration.
Bolado	Worried, upset.
Bora	A contraction of 'let's go', used to encourage someone to go somewhere.
Brother	Friend, brother.
Caçar bronca	Looking for trouble or confusion.
Cair na gandaia	Go out for parties or fun.
Caô	Lie or deception.
Chapa	Friend, partner.
Colar	Go somewhere, join someone.
Comédia	Something or someone funny or ridiculous.
Corre	Daily hustle, tasks or errands.
Da hora	Something very good or cool.
De boa	Calm, no problems.
Desenrolado	Someone who is outgoing or resourceful.
Firme	Solid, reliable.
Firmeza	All good, agreement or confirmation.
Firula	Something unnecessary or exaggerated.
Fuzuê	Confusion, mess.
Galera	Group of people, crew.
Gamar	To like very much, to fall in love.
Grana	Money.
Jogar conversa fora	To make small talk or chat idly.
Lance	Situation, issue, or romantic affair.
Maneiro	Something cool or interesting.
Maroto	Sly, cunning.
Migué	Poor excuse, lie.
Mó	Contraction of 'biggest', used to intensify something. Like "mó galera": a biggest crew
Noia	Worry, paranoia.
Noiado	Worried, paranoid.
Pagar mico	To be embarrassed.
Papo furado	Meaningless conversation.
Tudo na paz?	Is everything peaceful? Used as a greeting.
Pé de chinelo	Something of low quality or a simple person.
Pé na jaca	To exaggerate or overindulge, especially in eating or drinking.
Rango	Food, meal.
Relax	Relax, take it easy.
Rolê	Outing or hangout with friends.
Sangue bom	Good person, someone who is cool.
Suave	Calm, no problems.
Tranquilo	Calm, no worries.
Treta	Confusion, fight, or argument.
Valeu	Thank you, similar to 'thanks'.
Vibe	Vibe, atmosphere, mood.
Vish	Expression of surprise or dismay.
Xaveco	Flirting, seductive talk.
Zueira	Joke, fun.

FAQ About Brazilian Slangs

What is a 'slang' in the context of Brazilian Portuguese?

In the context of Brazilian Portuguese, 'slang' refers to informal, non-standard words or expressions that are commonly used in everyday conversation among native speakers. Slang terms are often regional, reflecting the diverse cultural influences across Brazil. They can be playful, colorful, and sometimes may not be found in formal language education.

How does Brazilian slang vary from region to region?

Brazilian slang varies significantly across the country's many regions. For example, the word "balada" might mean "party" in São Paulo, while in Rio de Janeiro, "festa" is more commonly used. This regional variation is a reflection of Brazil's vast cultural diversity and historical influences.

Why is it important to learn slang in a new language like Brazilian Portuguese?

Learning slang in Brazilian Portuguese is important for social integration, as it allows one to communicate in a more relaxed and natural way. It helps in understanding local media, music, and literature, and is essential for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in Brazilian culture.

Can understanding Brazilian slang improve my language skills?

Yes, understanding Brazilian slang can significantly improve language skills. It enhances listening comprehension and allows one to engage in conversations more fluidly. It also enriches one’s vocabulary with the nuances and colloquialisms that are part of daily communication.

How often do new slangs appear in the Brazilian language?

New slang terms appear frequently in Brazilian Portuguese, often influenced by social media, pop culture, and changes in society. Young people, in particular, are prolific creators and adopters of new slang.

Are there any resources to keep up with Brazilian slang?

To keep up with Brazilian slang, one can use online platforms, social media channels, Brazilian movies and TV shows, music, and language exchange meetups. There are also websites and apps dedicated to slang and informal language.

What are some common Brazilian slangs used by young people?

Common slangs used by Brazilian youth include "top" (great or high-quality), "maneiro" (cool), "tipo assim" (like or kind of), and "galera" (group of friends).

How can I use Brazilian slang without offending anyone?

To use Brazilian slang without offending anyone, it's important to understand the context in which certain words are appropriate. It's best to listen to how native speakers use slang and to start using it yourself in similar situations.

What is the role of slang in Brazilian music and media?

Slang plays a crucial role in Brazilian music and media, adding authenticity and cultural relevance. It is often used to connect with the audience on a personal level and to reflect contemporary society.

Are Brazilian slangs incorporated into formal education?

Generally, Brazilian slangs are not part of formal education. However, some language courses might introduce slang to help students become familiar with everyday speech and cultural nuances.