Brasileiro Falado: interesting words in Brazilian Portuguese

Spoken Brazilian Portuguese (brasileiro falado) features words and phrases that are enchantingly descriptive, and they often have a healthy dose of humor thrown in. Here are a few examples.

1.       Guarda-chuva. Rain guard; an umbrella.

2.       Guarda-sol. Sun guard; an umbrella.

3.       Para-brisa. For the breeze! Called windshield in American usage, and windscreen in the British form.

4.       Puxa-saco. This means to pull a sack [here is where I note that even after years of speaking Portuguese, puxar, to pull, still sounds like it should mean to push]. Someone who is a puxa-saco is an ass kisser. A puxa-saco is the guy or gal in the office who’s always flattering the boss. A suck-up, or insert your own more colorful English expression here.

5.       Quebra-cabeça. Literally translates as head breaker. Refers to a puzzle, be it jigsaw or other. Can also be used to describe an insoluble problem.

6.       Beija-flor. Means to kiss a flower and refers to a hummingbird. This is for sure a uniquely Brazilian word, as there are no hummingbirds in Portugal; they are only found in the New World.

7.       Vira-lata. A mutt dog, or what Americans sometimes refer to as a “Heinz 57,” being a mix of various unidentifiable breeds. The word derives from the verb virar, to turn over, and lata, meaning a lata de lixo, or garbage can. Mutt dogs are often strays, and stray dogs search for food in garbage cans. Mutt dog = turn over garbage can.

8.       Televisão de cachorro. Continuing with dogs, the term is “dog television.” This is a barbecue chicken or meat rotisserie in the window of a grocery store or butcher. A dog might sit on the sidewalk transfixed by the rotating display of deliciousness, just like . . . a television for dogs.

9.       Bem-te-vi. A common and much-loved bird in Brazil. The name is onomatopoeic, imitating the bird’s call, “I saw you well” is what is sounds like.

10.   Bem-casado. Well married. A vanilla sponge dessert individually wrapped in elaborate fashion and traditionally served at weddings. Features a filling of doce de leite, caramelized milk, or:

11.   Baba de moça. Girl’s drool. A filling made with egg yolks, coconut milk and sugar.

12.   Romeu e Julieta. Romeo and Juliet, a traditional dessert consisting of guava paste and cheese.

13.   Tomara-que-caia. I hope it falls down! A strapless dress.