50 Funny Portuguese Words You Need to Learn

1. Abacaxi – Literally means “pineapple,” but also used to describe a problematic situation.

2. Cafuné – The act of running fingers through someone’s hair; a comforting and intimate gesture.

3. Bafafá – A fuss or commotion, usually in a dramatic sense.

4. Mala-sem-alça – “Suitcase without a handle,” describing something or someone difficult to deal with.

5. Vira-lata – A mixed-breed dog, often used humorously to describe someone without refined manners.

6. Beliscão – A pinch, but often used to signify a small, playful form of punishment.

7. Empacotador – A person who packs groceries, but it sounds like a packer’s song.

8. Coxinha – A popular snack, also used humorously to describe uptight or overly tidy people.

9. Chororô – Excessive crying or whining, often used to describe childish behavior.

10. Esmaga-espinha – “Pimple crusher,” a colloquial term for really tight pants.

11. Sapeca – A mischievous, playful person, usually a child.

12. Amigão – The ultimate friend, often with a sense of exaggerated camaraderie.

13. Biquinho – A pout, frequently described as making a “little beak.”

14. Caipira – A country bumpkin, but said with a cheeky tone.

15. Zangado – Angry, but sounds funnier when you picture Grumpy from the Seven Dwarfs.

16. Desbundar – To have a wild time, often used in the context of partying.

17. Funilaria – Bodywork, often hilariously used to describe a heavy workout.

18. Ginga – An elusive or smooth movement, often in dancing or sports.

19. Lambisgóia – An unflattering term for a gaunt woman, often humorous in nature.

20. Jabuticaba – A native Brazilian fruit, catchy and fun to say.

21. Gargalhada – A hearty, loud laugh.

22. Pé-de-moleque – Traditional peanut candy, also used to describe a troublemaker child.

23. Mosca morta – Literally “dead fly,” describing someone who appears unassuming but is clever.

24. Papagaio – Parrot, but often used to describe a chatterbox.

25. Salsicha – Sausage, humorously used to describe a person with a long, thin body.

26. Queijo – Cheese, but can also be used to refer to a smiling face.

27. Rabugento – Grumpy, like a grumpy old man.

28. Sapateiro – Shoemaker, but can also mean someone who is incompetent.

29. Peituda – Busty woman, often used in a playful context.

30. Pombo-correio – Carrier pigeon, with connotations of being a gossip.

31. Rola-bosta – Dung beetle, hilariously descriptive of a clumsy person.

32. Treco – Thingamajig, used when you can’t remember an item’s name.

33. Xodó – A term of endearment like “sweetheart.”

34. Zonzo – Dizzy, often used for lightheadedness or confusion.

35. Cupido – Cupid, often referenced in romantic or mischievous contexts.

36. Cangalha – A yoke, but humorously used to describe burdens.

37. Chapado – High or very intoxicated, used humorously.

38. Desvairado – Insane, typically used to describe highly eccentric behavior.

39. Espantalho – Scarecrow, often used lightheartedly.

40. Fuzarca – A noisy commotion or festive activity.

41. Gororoba – A mess, often referencing poorly cooked food.

42. Jabuticaba – A delightful fruit, repeated for its funny sound.

43. Nhem-nhem-nhem – Gibberish or nonsensical talking.

44. Pegajoso – Clingy, often in an affectionate context.

45. Porcaria – Junk or rubbish, used humorously.

46. Salsichão – Large sausage, used for someone who is clumsy.

47. Totó – Doggy, often used as a term of endearment.

48. Trapalhão – Clumsy person, but in a lovable way.

49. Urinol – Chamber pot, used humorously in old narratives.

50. Ximbica – Old car or an odd woman, said in jest.