50 Funny Portuguese Words

Learning a new language can be a fun experience, especially when you come across amusing words that tickle your funny bone. Portuguese is full of such gems, offering a perfect blend of humor and cultural charm. Here are 50 funny Portuguese words, each with a brief 10-15 word description.

50 Funny Portuguese Words That Will Make You Smile

1. Pamonha – A kind of tamale, but also slang for a lazy person.

2. Pinga – A slang term for cachaça, meaning ‘drip’ or ‘drop,’ often used humorously.

3. Bicho-papão – Means ‘boogeyman’; literally ‘eating animal.’

4. Xarope – Syrup; also used to describe an annoying person.

5. Chaveco – Flattering someone, but also refers to old, unreliable cars.

6. Galinheiro – Chicken coop; also slang for a messy or noisy place.

7. Sapo – Frog; used to describe someone avoiding work.

8. Muvuca – A chaotic, crowded place.

9. Tigrão – Slang for a macho man; literally ‘big tiger.’

10. Pisa-mansinho – Means someone who walks quietly like a ninja.

11. Cumbuca – Clay pot; also used to describe someone who’s nosy.

12. Molho – Sauce; also means someone procrastinating.

13. Mexeriqueiro – Busybody; someone who gossips.

14. Fuleiro – Something cheap or low quality; often used humorously.

15. Gargalhada – Loud laugh; also used to describe a very funny situation.

16. Furão – A ferret; but also someone who bails on plans.

17. Abestado – Foolish or silly person.

18. Zenzinho – A term of endearment but sounds funny.

19. Xexelento – Something old and worn out.

20. Coxinha – Literally means ‘drumstick’; also a popular snack.

21. Piriguete – Refers to a flirty woman; often used humorously.

22. Gambiarra – Improvised solution; often makeshift and funny.

23. Lombra – A slang for an altered state, usually from being extremely tired or from substances.

24. Xará – Used for someone with the same name as you.

25. Cambalhota – Somersault.

26. Funicar – To cobble together; usually results in something funny.

27. Tosco – Clumsy or awkward person or thing.

28. Calango – A small lizard; often used to describe a restless person.

29. Suvaco – Armpit; also slang for being in a tight situation.

30. Marmota – A groundhog, but also used for a clumsy person.

31. Pelego – An old carpet, or an informant.

32. Farofeiro – Picnic goer with a lot of food; often in a humorous context.

33. Rabugento – Grumpy person.

34. Bicicletinha – Mini bicycle; often used humorously to describe something tiny.

35. Boquirroto – Someone who talks too much.

36. Estrupício – Clumsy or awkward person.

37. Rapadura – Unrefined brown sugar, often used humorously to describe someone from the countryside.

38. Serelepe – A lively, bouncy person.

39. Fuçanga – Someone who eats a lot; often humorously.

40. Zanzar – To wander aimlessly.

41. Treco – Thingamajig or whatchamacallit; used when you forget the name of an item.

42. Fofoqueiro – Gossip.

43. Trombadinha – Small-time thief; also used playfully for someone who takes your food.

44. Bochecha – Cheek; often used to describe someone with chubby cheeks.

45. Baratinar – To confuse or baffle.

46. Macambúzio – Melancholic or gloomy person.

47. Funga-funga – Sniffle; used humorously for someone who has a constant cold.

48. Preguiçoso – Lazy person.

49. Zangão – Male bee or drone, often used to describe a lazy man.

50. Chulé – Foot odor.