The expression “Brazilian knack” refers to the improvised and often informal approach with which Brazilians resolve problematic situations.
This Brazilian way of being is seen as both negative and positive, depending on the situation in which it is applied.
It is said that the first practice of the Brazilian way took place in 1946, when a foreign citizen applied for a visa to a Brazilian consulate.
At the time, the individual had his application registered under the profession of agronomist (when in fact he was a doctor), as a way to have his process facilitated.
Although the origin of the practice occurred in 1946, the historical and official record of the expression took place in 1982.
Check out the information below, understand what the Brazilian way is and learn about its different connotations.
Downside of the Brazilian way
With regard to the negative connotation, the Brazilian way is associated with the corruption, lack of education, lack of civility, lip service and bad manners.
Brazilian knack is understood to be any attempt to deceive another person(s) for their own benefit.
Brazilians themselves often associate the concept of the knack with an attempt to solve problems or difficult situations through incorrect methods with regard to compliance with rules and even laws.
Charge illustrating the negative connotation of the Brazilian way
Practical example:
A citizen goes to a bank to ask for information. Upon arriving there, he is faced with a large queue of customers waiting for service.
The citizen finds it unnecessary to wait for all those people to be attended to, after all, his case “is quick”, because he “just” wants to ask “a little question”.
Thus, the citizen goes directly to the window and despite the displeasure of all those waiting in line, manages to clarify their question together with the counter attendant.
This we can call the Brazilian way.
The correct thing would be for citizens to wait in line, like all other customers, regardless of whether their question is quick or not.
However, he ended up finding a way to solve his problem in another way, by the way incorrect, disrespecting other customers.
Positive side of the Brazilian way
If on the one hand the Brazilian way is a reason for dislike, on the other hand it is considered one of the greatest qualities of Brazilian citizens.
Famous for its cheerful and relaxed way of being, it is said that the Brazilian people tend to behave with more informality and relaxation than citizens of other nationalities, even the most stressful situations.
With regard to the positive connotation, the Brazilian way is associated with a light, creative, flexible and optimistic way of living life and resolve situations, respecting any and all social norms.
Practical example:
A family spends a whole week planning the weekend in a vacation region: beaches to visit, trails to go, outdoor activities, etc.
Exactly the day before travelling, the weather changes drastically and the sun and sea plans have to be cancelled. However, this is not a problem for this family as they promptly re-planned the weekend. and replaced outdoor activities with enjoyable indoor activities (bowling, go-karting, etc.)
In other words, instead of being upset and disgusted by the sudden change in schedule, they decided to enjoy and enjoy the time they would be together in the best possible way.
Social studies on the Brazilian way
Over the years, the Brazilian way has been studied by some specialists, mainly in the field of sociology.
know more about sociology.
Check below the main conclusions reached by some scholars.
Roberto DaMatta
Roberto DaMatta is an anthropologist who carried out a comparative study between the ways in which the Brazilian way and American citizens dealt with laws.
The scholar concluded that Brazilians, accustomed to breaking the rules and laws of their own institutions, they were often baffled by the formality, seriousness, and respect with which Americans acted.
Livia Barbosa
The anthropologist says in one of her books that the Brazilian way would be located between two poles: favor and corruption.
Examples of this are cases where a person has a friend who is an employee of a certain agency and when he or she needs resolve any issue with this body, prefer to ask a "favor" to the friend than follow all procedures involved.
Sergio Buarque de Holanda
The anthropologist highlights what is pointed out by everyone as one of the most emblematic characteristics of the Brazilian personality: cordiality.
Warmth is a feeling that makes men act based on the feeling of kindness rather than action based on reason.
In the context of anthropology, we can say that the Brazilian way can be attributed to the emotional side of the Brazilian, who most of the times presents an informal approach to dealing with any subject matter.
Know the meaning of anthropology.
Fernanda Carlos Borges
Philosopher Fernanda Borges' studies on the Brazilian way are based on anthropology and cultural, philosophical and cognitive approaches.
Although some people consider that the famous Brazilian way prevents growth, for the philosopher, Brazilians have simply developed a new way of life that is based on affection.
See also the meaning of:
- Bohemian
- Way