30 Brazilian Slang Words and What They Mean
Rio’s beachfront chatter, São Paulo’s skyscraper banter, and Salvador’s Afro‑Bahian rhythms have simmered together for 500 years, distilling into the playful, ever‑evolving cocktail we call Brazilian slang. From Indigenous Tupi verbs to African‑born beats to TikTok‑fueled abbreviations, these Brazilian Portuguese slang words are living proof that language in Brazil refuses to sit still. Whether you’re backpacking up the coast, making friends at a rodízio table, or decoding Insta reels, slipping the right slang into conversation morphs you from tourist to honorary local in seconds.
Brazilian Portuguese vs. European Portuguese: How Slang Splits the Difference
Picture two lifelong friends who grew up together but then moved to opposite sides of the Atlantic. They still share the same mother tongue, yet their inside jokes—and the way they tell them—have drifted apart. That’s Portuguese in a nutshell. The grammar core stays recognisably the same, but once the conversation turns street‑level casual, Brazilian slang and European Portuguese gíria zip off on very different scooters.
Slang is the gatekeeper to authentic connection. Drop a crisp massa! in Rio and locals instantly peg you as in‑the‑know; use the same word in Lisbon, and you’ll get polite confusion. Misunderstanding slang can also derail a perfectly good chat—ask a Paulista if he has “trocos” for the bus and you may get a blank stare (they say trocados). Curious about all the contrasts? Dive into our detailed guide on the difference between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese.
Brazilian Portuguese Slang Words You Need to Learn
Travel tip: Brazilian slang isn’t bound by strict categories—the same word can jump from beach banter to office small talk as long as the vibe stays informal. Below is a single, scroll‑friendly list of 30 essential Brazilian Portuguese slang words. Skim it now, star your favourites, and get ready to sound muito local.
- Beleza?
- Literal translation: “beauty?”
- Meaning: “All good?” / informal greeting
- E aí?
- Literal translation: “and there?”
- Meaning: “What’s up?” casual hello
- Valeu!
- Literal translation: “it was worth (value)”
- Meaning: “Thanks!” / “Cheers!”
- Demorô!
- Literal translation: “it delayed!”
- Meaning: “Deal!” / enthusiastically agreeing
- Firmeza
- Literal translation: “firmness”
- Meaning: “Cool!” / “Solid”
- Massa!
- Literal translation: “dough / mass”
- Meaning: “Awesome!” reaction to good news
- Mó barato
- Literal translation: “big cheap”
- Meaning: “Super fun” describing something enjoyable
- Tô bolado
- Literal translation: “I’m balled up”
- Meaning: “I’m upset/annoyed/confused”
- De boa
- Literal translation: “of good”
- Meaning: “Chill / No worries”
- Que viagem!
- Literal translation: “what a trip!”
- Meaning: “That’s crazy!”
Pro tip: Practice these phrases with native speakers on Tandem and get real‑time feedback on your accent!
- Cara
- Literal translation: “face”
- Meaning: “Dude / Guy”
- Guria / Guri
- Literal translation: “girl / boy”
- Meaning: “Kid” (Southern Brazil)
- Mano / Mina
- Literal translation: “hand” / “mine”
- Meaning: “Bro / Girl” (close friend)
- Malandro
- Literal translation: “rascal”
- Meaning: street‑smart trickster
- Fofoca
- Literal translation: “gossip”
- Meaning: juicy rumour or chatter
- Balada
- Literal translation: “ballad”
- Meaning: nightclub / party
- Rolo
- Literal translation: “roll”
- Meaning: undefined fling or complicated situation
- Churras
- Literal translation: “barbecue” (short for churrasco)
- Meaning: casual BBQ gathering
- Pagode
- Literal translation: name of a samba sub‑genre
- Meaning: samba party vibe
- Zuera / Zueira
- Literal translation: from zoar, “messing around”
- Meaning: playful banter or prank
- Grana
- Literal translation: “grain”
- Meaning: money
- Bufunfa
- Literal translation: coin‑clinking onomatopoeia
- Meaning: cash / dough
- Troco
- Literal translation: “change”
- Meaning: coins or small bills
- Migué
- Literal translation: folk name turned slang
- Meaning: flimsy excuse / dodgy trick
- Bagulho
- Literal translation: “thing / trinket”
- Meaning: stuff; context can imply weed
- Crush
- Literal translation: same as English “crush”
- Meaning: romantic interest
- Shippar
- Literal translation: from “relationship”
- Meaning: to root for a (fictional) couple
- Ranço
- Literal translation: “rancid smell”
- Meaning: strong dislike / ick factor
- Top
- Literal translation: “top”
- Meaning: excellent / awesome
- KKKKK / RSRS
- Literal translation: keyboard onomatopoeia for laughter
- Meaning: LOL / haha
If you need a refresher on everyday pleasantries before diving into slang, check out our list of Portuguese greetings. And for your trip to Portugal, don’t miss our complete guide to Portuguese slang.
Wrapping Up: Your Ticket to Effortless Small Talk
Brazilian slang is the secret handshake of the Lusophone world. Sprinkle these expressions into your next conversation and watch doors—and hearts—swing open. Ready to put theory into practice? Download Tandem today and start swapping voice notes with Brazilians who’ll happily correct (and cheer on) your every zuera. Boa sorte e até a próxima!
