50 Funny Portuguese Words You Need to Learn

Explore 50 hilarious Portuguese words and learn language the fun way with LearnPal!

Innovative English Learning

Funny Words in Portuguese

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.

Conclusion

Unlock the joy of learning with these 50 funny Portuguese words and enrich your language skills with humor and cultural nuances. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your fluency, integrating laughter into your learning process makes it more enjoyable and memorable. Tools like LearnPal are perfect for immersing yourself in the quirkiest aspects of Portuguese, turning every lesson into an entertaining adventure. So dive in, giggle a little, and embrace the delightful world of funny Portuguese words. Happy learning with LearnPal!