Learning Brazilian Portuguese from textbooks gives you the grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation needed for formal communication. But step off the plane in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, and suddenly you’re hearing phrases that make absolutely no sense—at least not the way your textbook described them.
That’s because real Brazilian Portuguese is filled with vibrant slang expressions—creative, emotional, and sometimes completely bizarre—that shape everyday conversations. From hilarious idioms to emotional interjections, Brazilian slang is a reflection of the culture: expressive, rhythmic, and full of life.
In this guide, we explore 10 Brazilian slang terms you’ll never find in a textbook, complete with definitions, usage examples, and the cultural backstory that makes them unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a trip, chatting with Brazilian friends, or just want to sound like a local, this article has you covered.
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Mó barato
Meaning: Super fun, hilarious, or cool
Literal Translation: “Big discount” (but it has nothing to do with shopping)
This is one of the quirkiest slang expressions in Brazilian Portuguese. If someone says a party was mó barato, they’re not talking about the price—they mean it was a lot of fun.
Example:
- A festa ontem foi mó barato!
- “The party last night was so much fun!”
Cultural Insight:
Brazilians often use the word barato (cheap) to describe something that feels “light” or “entertaining.” It’s like saying “a blast” in English.
Pagar mico
Meaning: To embarrass yourself; to do something silly or awkward
Literal Translation: “To pay a monkey”
Yes, it sounds odd. But in Brazil, pagar mico is widely used to describe a cringe-worthy situation—like singing the wrong lyrics out loud or tripping in public.
Example:
- Eu paguei o maior mico na reunião.
- “I totally embarrassed myself in the meeting.”
Cultural Insight:
The term comes from a carnival game involving a small monkey (mico). Losing meant you got stuck with it, hence, pagar mico—you “pay the price” for your mistake.
Tá ligado?
Meaning: “You know?”, “Got it?”, “Are you with me?”
This is a very common expression, especially among younger Brazilians and in urban centers like Rio and São Paulo. It’s used to check if someone understands or relates to what you’re saying.
Example:
- Esse cara é muito estranho, tá ligado?
- “That guy is really weird, you know?”
Cultural Insight:
It’s akin to the American “you feel me?” or “you know what I mean?” and often used rhetorically.
Dar um jeitinho
Meaning: To find a workaround, usually by bending the rules a little
Literal Translation: “To give a little way”
This phrase captures the very essence of Brazilian culture. It refers to the skill of improvising or finding a creative (and often informal) solution to a problem—even when the rules say otherwise.
Example:
- Sempre dá pra dar um jeitinho.
- “There’s always a way to work things out.”
Cultural Insight:
The jeitinho brasileiro is a national identity trait. It represents resourcefulness, but also hints at a relaxed attitude toward rules and bureaucracy.
Ficar de boa
Meaning: To chill, to relax, to be okay with something
Literal Translation: “To stay cool” or “to be fine”
Used to express a relaxed attitude or state of being. It can refer to both mood and acceptance of a situation.
Example:
- Não se preocupa, tô de boa.
- “Don’t worry, I’m chill.”
Cultural Insight:
Brazilians are known for their laid-back lifestyles, especially in beach cities. Ficar de boa is the perfect way to embody that mindset.
Gringo
Meaning: A foreigner (usually non-Portuguese speaking or with obvious foreign looks)
While not exclusive to Brazil, the term gringo is widely used in Brazilian Portuguese to refer to foreigners—often Americans or Europeans.
Example:
- Aquele cara é gringo, né?
- “That guy’s a foreigner, right?”
Cultural Insight:
Gringo isn’t usually meant as an insult, but tone matters. It can be affectionate or dismissive depending on how it’s said.
Mermão
Meaning: Bro, dude
Contraction of: Meu irmão (“my brother”)
This is used the same way English speakers say “bro” or “dude.” Commonly heard in Rio de Janeiro.
Example:
- Mermão, essa praia tá lotada!
- “Dude, this beach is packed!”
Cultural Insight:
The casual camaraderie of Brazilian society shines through in terms like mermão, often exchanged between friends in relaxed or beachy settings.
É nóis
Meaning: “We’re in this together,” “You can count on me,” “We got this”
- Literal Translation: “It’s us” (grammatically incorrect, but widely accepted in speech)
- Used as an affirmation of loyalty, friendship, or agreement—especially among younger generations.
Example:
- Valeu pela ajuda, é nóis!
- “Thanks for the help, we’re in this together!”
Cultural Insight:
This phrase reinforces the importance of community and solidarity in Brazilian culture, even when grammar is sacrificed for coolness.
Bolado
Meaning: Angry, annoyed, shocked, or impressed—depends on context!
This slang is tricky because its meaning changes based on tone and region. In Rio, bolado often means “angry” or “upset,” while in São Paulo it can mean “amazed” or “blown away.”
Example (angry):
- Fiquei bolado com aquela notícia.
- “I was really pissed about that news.”
Example (impressed):
- Ele jogou muito! Fiquei bolado.
- “He played so well! I was impressed.”
Cultural Insight:
Brazilians rely heavily on context, facial expression, and tone of voice to communicate emotional depth—bolado is a perfect example.
Mó galera
Meaning: A big group of friends or people
Literal Translation: “Big crowd”
Used to describe a big group going out, hanging out, or participating in something fun.
Example:
- A gente foi pra balada com mó galera!
- “We hit the club with a big group!”
Cultural Insight:
Group socializing is a huge part of Brazilian life—especially in cities with lively nightlife like Salvador, Recife, and Rio.
Frequently Asked Question
Is Brazilian slang used in formal settings?
No. Brazilian slang is mostly used in casual conversations, among friends, or in informal online settings. In professional or academic situations, standard Portuguese is expected.
Can slang differ from one region of Brazil to another?
Absolutely. Brazil is a massive country, and slang varies widely between regions like Rio, São Paulo, Bahia, or the South. A term used in one place may not make sense in another—or might mean something totally different.
Is it okay for foreigners to use Brazilian slang?
Yes—Brazilians generally appreciate when foreigners try to learn and use slang. It shows cultural interest. Just be aware of the context and avoid slang in formal situations.
How can I learn more Brazilian slang naturally?
The best way is immersion: talk with locals, watch Brazilian TV shows, follow Brazilian influencers, or listen to Brazilian music (especially funk, samba, and MPB). Apps like Tandem and HelloTalk can help you practice with native speakers.
What’s the difference between Portuguese from Portugal and Brazil when it comes to slang?
They’re quite different. Brazilian Portuguese slang is much more influenced by African, Indigenous, and American cultures. Many slang terms used in Brazil would not be understood in Portugal, and vice versa.
Are any of these slang words considered rude or offensive?
Most of the slang terms in this article are safe for casual use. However, tone and context matter. Terms like bolado can sound aggressive if said in the wrong tone. As always, observe how locals use them.
Can slang words change over time?
Definitely. Slang evolves quickly—what’s popular today might sound outdated in a few years. Social media, music, and pop culture drive most of these changes. Keep your ear to the ground by following Brazilian trends online.
Conclusion
Learning Brazilian slang isn’t just about sounding cool—it’s about connecting. These phrases help you break the ice, understand jokes, and experience Brazil beyond the classroom or the tourist trail. Whether you’re at a beach in Bahia or a samba party in São Paulo, these 10 slang terms will help you speak the real language of the people. Textbooks can teach grammar. But it’s slang that teaches culture, attitude, and heart.
