The Portuguese language certainly has many hidden gems in popular usage. However, there are also many strange words that are in the dictionary with a meaning somewhat different from what we usually know. There are even times when there is a need for the dictionary to incorporate the new meanings that the word has gained in popular circles. Check out some examples below.
Read more: Curiosities: See 6 inventions that changed the world
see more
These are the 4 zodiac signs that love solitude the most, according to…
There are some dog breeds considered perfect for people…
bofe
Few people know the real meaning of the word bofe, which is far removed from colloquial usage. In fact, the meaning of this word refers to the lung organ, a legitimate synonym. On the other hand, many understand it as a kind of "flirt", especially as a handsome man.
cuvico
In some places this word takes on a new meaning, like a curse word. But its real meaning goes far from this interpretation, since the cuvico is, in fact, a synonym for cubicle. Thus, it mainly refers to properties of minimal size and stuffy.
Sampar
No, this word has nothing to do with the city of São Paulo, although it is common to use it as a verb similar to the popular “sextar”. That is, arriving in São Paulo or enjoying moments in the city. However, the original meaning of this word refers to the moment when we throw a stone into a lake and it bounces a few times before sinking. This movement is, in fact, the “sampar”, from which the “sampou” or “sampei” derives.
screwed up
At first glance, this word may sound a little strange, but in other Portuguese-speaking countries it tends to be common. Overall, it represents something that is damaged, broken, that has lost its original shape through carelessness or trauma. There are even studies that point out that this word gave rise to our popular “spoiled”, much more frequent in our communication, right?
Error
Within the Portuguese language, the word “error” is not associated with failure warning messages in computer systems. In our case, an error is simply an aimless journey, without destination or planning, very similar to the concept we understand of “wandering”. Did you know about this one?
