10 Portuguese Slang Expressions You Need to Know

As a language learner, diving into Portuguese slang will deepen your immersion in the culture and make you sound more authentic when you speak. To help you connect with Portuguese speakers on a deeper level, I will show you 10 common Portuguese slang words.

1. Gajo/gaja

Gajo/a (m/f) is the Portuguese equivalent of “guy” in English. This term is only used in informal contexts and can sometimes be used to show contempt for someone:

Este gajo é meu amigo.
That guy is my friend.
Essa gaja deve ter a mania que é esperta.
That gal must think she is smart.

2. Fixe

Fixe is a versatile slang word that means “cool” or “awesome.” It’s often used to describe something enjoyable or impressive:

Esta cidade é tão fixe!
This city is so cool!

3. Chato

Chato is used to describe someone or something annoying or boring. It’s a common term to vent frustration:

O filme foi super chato.
The movie was super boring.

4. Bater a bota

This expression is equivalent to “kick the bucket” in English and is often used in a humorous or lighthearted context to refer to death:

Ontem senti-me tão mal! Estava a ver que ia bater a bota.
Yesterday I felt so sick! I thought I would die.
Aquele já bateu a bota!
That one has already kicked the bucket!

5. Dar pica

Dar Pica is an idiomatic expression conveying enthusiasm and excitement:

Fazer surf dá muita pica!
Surfing is so exciting!

6. Arregaçar as mangas

This phrase encourages someone to get to work or make an effort to achieve their goals, just like “roll up one’s sleeves” in English:

Vamos lá arregaçar as mangas e terminar este projeto!
Let’s roll up our sleeves and finish this project!

7. Tuga

Tuga is slang to refer to a Portuguese citizen. While this colloquial term is often used humorously, it can also be used in a self-deprecating way:

Os tugas são conhecidos pela sua hospitalidade.
Portuguese people are known for their hospitality.
Que palerma! Vê-se mesmo que é tuga.
What a prick! He could only be Portuguese.

8. Marrar

Marrar means “to study” or “to hit the books” and is often used by students:

Tenho que marrar para o exame de amanhã.
I have to study for tomorrow’s exam.

9. Deitar a baixo

The expression deitar a baixo means to repress or put someone down:

Porque é que estás-me sempre a deitar a baixo?
Why are you always putting me down?

10. Meter o bedelho

Meter o bedelho means to interfere in someone else’s business or affairs:

Não metas o bedelho onde não é chamado.
Don’t interfere when it doesn’t concern you.

Remember! Slang adds humor and depth to language and therefore consider using these Portuguese expressions to engage in more authentic conversations with native Portuguese speakers. Have fun. (Diverte-te.)