Language
Portuguese swear words
A guide to swearing in Portuguese: 84 words and phrases from the Swear Atlas catalogue, organised from mild to strong and explained in plain English. Every entry links to its full page with meaning, pronunciation and a 1–5 Burn Rating.
Common Portuguese swear words
The recognisable everyday expressions, with what each one actually means.
- maldito It means 'damned' and is used as an insulting intensifier. It can also carry a religious connotation, implying a curse. 2/5 · Coarse
- cacete Literally “club”. This is a vulgar term for penis and can also be used as an emphatic exclamation. In some contexts, it can express surprise or frustration. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cu This is a crude term for 'anus' that often pops up in insults. It can also refer to someone's backside in a vulgar way. 3/5 · Vulgar
- caralho It means 'penis' but is often used as a strong exclamation or intensifier in conversation. It can express surprise, anger, or excitement. 4/5 · Strong
- foda-se It's a strong dismissal or exclamation, similar to saying 'fuck it.' 4/5 · Strong
- baba-ovo This refers to someone who is a sycophant or brown-noser, someone who flatters others for personal gain. The literal translation, 'egg/testicle drooler,' hints at the idea of someone who is overly eager to please. 2/5 · Coarse
- babaca It's an insult used to call someone an idiot or jerk. In Brazil, it's a common everyday term for someone acting foolishly. 2/5 · Coarse
- bebum It's a coarse term for someone who is a habitual or obvious drunk. It literally translates to 'drunk person.' 2/5 · Coarse
Milder expressions
Gentler exclamations and everyday grumbles.
- besta It refers to someone as a fool or a silly person. While it literally means 'beast,' in this context, it's not about animals but rather a light insult. 1/5 · Mild
- bocó It's a light-hearted way to call someone a fool or an idiot. The term is often used in a joking manner among friends. 1/5 · Mild
- cocô It's a mild or childish way to refer to excrement, basically just 'poo.' 1/5 · Mild
- droga It's a mild exclamation similar to saying 'damn' or expressing frustration about something unfortunate. It literally means 'drug' but is used in a different context. 1/5 · Mild
- gaiato It refers to a mischievous joker or a cheeky person. Depending on the context, it can be used affectionately rather than as an insult. 1/5 · Mild
- meleca Literally “nasal mucus”. It's a mild term for snot or a sticky mess, often used in a somewhat childish context. 1/5 · Mild
- não me chateies Literally “don't annoy me”. Stop bothering me. 1/5 · Mild
- paspalho It's a comic insult for someone who's a bumbling fool or clumsy. Think of it as a light-hearted way to call someone a bit of an idiot. 1/5 · Mild
Stronger stuff
The heavier end of the scale — handle with care.
- vai tomar no cu Literally “go take it in the arse”. This is a strong way to dismiss someone, telling them to go fuck themselves. It has a sexually degrading tone, implying a harsh insult. 5/5 · Extreme
- boceta This is a strong vulgar term for vulva, often used in a derogatory context. It's not a neutral or clinical term and carries significant weight in conversation. 4/5 · Strong
- cabrão It’s a strong insult similar to calling someone a bastard. Literally, it means 'male goat,' but that’s not how it’s used in conversation. 4/5 · Strong
- caralho It means 'penis' but is often used as a strong exclamation or intensifier in conversation. It can express surprise, anger, or excitement. 4/5 · Strong
- cona This is a strong anatomical term for vulva, often used in a derogatory or vulgar context. 4/5 · Strong
- cuzão It's a vulgar insult for someone who is an asshole or a nasty person. Literally, it translates to 'large anus.' 4/5 · Strong
- foda It means 'sexual intercourse' but is often used to describe something difficult or impressive. In context, it can convey a sense of admiration or intensity. 4/5 · Strong
- foda-se It's a strong dismissal or exclamation, similar to saying 'fuck it.' 4/5 · Strong
Portuguese insults
Words aimed at a person rather than shouted at the world.
- vai tomar no cu Literally “go take it in the arse”. This is a strong way to dismiss someone, telling them to go fuck themselves. It has a sexually degrading tone, implying a harsh insult. 5/5 · Extreme
- cabrão It’s a strong insult similar to calling someone a bastard. Literally, it means 'male goat,' but that’s not how it’s used in conversation. 4/5 · Strong
- cuzão It's a vulgar insult for someone who is an asshole or a nasty person. Literally, it translates to 'large anus.' 4/5 · Strong
- foda-se It's a strong dismissal or exclamation, similar to saying 'fuck it.' 4/5 · Strong
- vai-te foder It means 'go fuck yourself' and is a strong way to dismiss someone. It's a direct insult that conveys significant disdain. 4/5 · Strong
- bastardo Literally “person born outside marriage”. It's an insult used to describe someone as cruel or contemptible. The literal sense refers to a person born outside of marriage, but that’s not the focus today. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cagão This term is used to insult someone by calling them a coward. Literally, it translates to 'person who shits.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- canalha This refers to a dishonest or contemptible person, essentially calling someone a scoundrel. It's a general insult without any sexual connotation. 3/5 · Vulgar
Expressions & phrases
Multi-word expressions and set phrases.
- não me chateies Literally “don't annoy me”. Stop bothering me. 1/5 · Mild
- cara de pau It refers to a shameless or brazen person, someone who acts without regard for social norms. The literal translation, 'wooden face', emphasizes their lack of shame or embarrassment. 2/5 · Coarse
- com tesão This phrase means horny or sexually excited. It literally translates to 'with sexual desire.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- dar uma cagada It means to take a shit, used in a coarse way. It can also imply making a mistake in some contexts. 3/5 · Vulgar
- vai à merda It's an angry dismissal, similar to telling someone to go to hell or fuck off. Literally, it translates to 'go to shit.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- vai-te foder It means 'go fuck yourself' and is a strong way to dismiss someone. It's a direct insult that conveys significant disdain. 4/5 · Strong
- vai tomar no cu Literally “go take it in the arse”. This is a strong way to dismiss someone, telling them to go fuck themselves. It has a sexually degrading tone, implying a harsh insult. 5/5 · Extreme
How to pronounce them
An English-friendly “sounds like” cue for each.
- besta Sounds like “BES-tah”. 1/5 · Mild
- bocó Sounds like “bo-KO”. 1/5 · Mild
- cocô Sounds like “ko-KO”. 1/5 · Mild
- droga Sounds like “DROH-gah”. 1/5 · Mild
- gaiato Sounds like “guy-AH-toh”. 1/5 · Mild
- meleca Sounds like “meh-LEH-kah”. 1/5 · Mild
- não me chateies Sounds like “now meh sha-TAYSH”. 1/5 · Mild
- paspalho Sounds like “pas-PAL-yo”. 1/5 · Mild
Curious literal translations
What these expressions say word-for-word, versus what they really mean.
- meleca Literally “nasal mucus” — It's a mild term for snot or a sticky mess, often used in a somewhat childish context. 1/5 · Mild
- não me chateies Literally “don't annoy me” — Stop bothering me. 1/5 · Mild
- mijo Literally “urine” — Mijo is a coarse term for piss. It can also be used as a verb meaning to urinate. 2/5 · Coarse
- bastardo Literally “person born outside marriage” — It's an insult used to describe someone as cruel or contemptible. The literal sense refers to a person born outside of marriage, but that’s not the focus today. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cacete Literally “club” — This is a vulgar term for penis and can also be used as an emphatic exclamation. In some contexts, it can express surprise or frustration. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cagalhão Literally “turd” — This is a coarse term for a large piece of shit. It's typically used to describe something particularly nasty or undesirable. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cagar Literally “defecate” — It means to shit, used in a straightforward way to refer to the act of defecating. It can also be used figuratively in various contexts. 3/5 · Vulgar
- desgraçado Literally “unfortunate person” — It's an insult for someone considered a wretch or a nasty person. It can also refer to someone who is unfortunate without being insulting. 3/5 · Vulgar
How strong is Portuguese swearing?
Burn Rating spread across all 84 Portuguese entries (1 = mild, 5 = extreme).
- 1 · Mild 10
- 2 · Coarse 32
- 3 · Vulgar 30
- 4 · Strong 11
- 5 · Extreme 1
All Portuguese words A–Z
B
- baba-ovo This refers to someone who is a sycophant or brown-noser, someone who flatters others for personal gain. The literal translation, 'egg/testicle drooler,' hints at the idea of someone who is overly eager to please. 2/5 · Coarse
- babaca It's an insult used to call someone an idiot or jerk. In Brazil, it's a common everyday term for someone acting foolishly. 2/5 · Coarse
- bastardo It's an insult used to describe someone as cruel or contemptible. The literal sense refers to a person born outside of marriage, but that’s not the focus today. 3/5 · Vulgar
- bebum It's a coarse term for someone who is a habitual or obvious drunk. It literally translates to 'drunk person.' 2/5 · Coarse
- besta It refers to someone as a fool or a silly person. While it literally means 'beast,' in this context, it's not about animals but rather a light insult. 1/5 · Mild
- boceta This is a strong vulgar term for vulva, often used in a derogatory context. It's not a neutral or clinical term and carries significant weight in conversation. 4/5 · Strong
- bocó It's a light-hearted way to call someone a fool or an idiot. The term is often used in a joking manner among friends. 1/5 · Mild
- bosta Crap or something worthless; essentially, it's a way to express disdain for something. It literally means 'excrement.' 2/5 · Coarse
- bronha This is a slang term for masturbation in Brazilian Portuguese. It's a casual way to refer to the act without being overly explicit. 3/5 · Vulgar
- bunda It's an informal term for someone's backside. While it literally means 'buttocks,' it can carry a playful or light-hearted tone depending on the context. 2/5 · Coarse
- burro It means stupid or foolish, often used as an insult. The literal translation is 'donkey,' which can highlight the foolishness implied. 2/5 · Coarse
C
- cabrão It’s a strong insult similar to calling someone a bastard. Literally, it means 'male goat,' but that’s not how it’s used in conversation. 4/5 · Strong
- cacete This is a vulgar term for penis and can also be used as an emphatic exclamation. In some contexts, it can express surprise or frustration. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cagada It refers to a mistake, mess, or botched action. Literally, it translates to 'act of shitting.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- cagado It means screwed or dirty, but can also refer to being very lucky in certain contexts. The literal translation is 'shat on.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- cagalhão This is a coarse term for a large piece of shit. It's typically used to describe something particularly nasty or undesirable. 3/5 · Vulgar
- caganeira It's a coarse term for diarrhoea. People use it to refer to the condition in a casual or humorous way. 2/5 · Coarse
- cagão This term is used to insult someone by calling them a coward. Literally, it translates to 'person who shits.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- cagar It means to shit, used in a straightforward way to refer to the act of defecating. It can also be used figuratively in various contexts. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cambada It's a contemptuous way to refer to a group of people, often implying they're undesirable or troublesome. Literally, it means 'bunch.' 2/5 · Coarse
- camelo It's an insult for someone considered a foolish or uncouth person. While it literally means 'camel', in this context, it suggests someone who behaves awkwardly or stupidly. 2/5 · Coarse
- canalha This refers to a dishonest or contemptible person, essentially calling someone a scoundrel. It's a general insult without any sexual connotation. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cara de pau It refers to a shameless or brazen person, someone who acts without regard for social norms. The literal translation, 'wooden face', emphasizes their lack of shame or embarrassment. 2/5 · Coarse
- caralho It means 'penis' but is often used as a strong exclamation or intensifier in conversation. It can express surprise, anger, or excitement. 4/5 · Strong
- chulo It refers to a pimp, but can also describe someone who is vulgar or exploitative. The context and region can change its nuance significantly. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cocô It's a mild or childish way to refer to excrement, basically just 'poo.' 1/5 · Mild
- com tesão This phrase means horny or sexually excited. It literally translates to 'with sexual desire.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- comer In slang, it means to have sex with someone. The everyday sense is just 'to eat,' which is neutral. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cona This is a strong anatomical term for vulva, often used in a derogatory or vulgar context. 4/5 · Strong
- corno This refers to someone whose partner is cheating on them, implying they are a cuckold. The literal translation is 'horn', which relates to the idea of being 'horned' by infidelity. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cretino It’s an insult meaning idiot or jerk. It’s not a medical term, just a way to call someone foolish. 2/5 · Coarse
- cu This is a crude term for 'anus' that often pops up in insults. It can also refer to someone's backside in a vulgar way. 3/5 · Vulgar
- cuzão It's a vulgar insult for someone who is an asshole or a nasty person. Literally, it translates to 'large anus.' 4/5 · Strong
D
- dar uma cagada It means to take a shit, used in a coarse way. It can also imply making a mistake in some contexts. 3/5 · Vulgar
- desgraçado It's an insult for someone considered a wretch or a nasty person. It can also refer to someone who is unfortunate without being insulting. 3/5 · Vulgar
- droga It's a mild exclamation similar to saying 'damn' or expressing frustration about something unfortunate. It literally means 'drug' but is used in a different context. 1/5 · Mild
E
F
- fedido It's an informal insult used to describe someone or something that smells bad. Literally, it translates to 'stinking.' 2/5 · Coarse
- fedorento It's an insult used for someone who smells bad or is generally disgusting. Literally, it means 'stinking.' 2/5 · Coarse
- foda It means 'sexual intercourse' but is often used to describe something difficult or impressive. In context, it can convey a sense of admiration or intensity. 4/5 · Strong
- foda-se It's a strong dismissal or exclamation, similar to saying 'fuck it.' 4/5 · Strong
- fodão It's a slang term used to describe someone who's a badass or highly capable. Depending on the context, it can be either an admiring or mocking label. 3/5 · Vulgar
- foder It means to fuck, but can also imply ruining something. Both literal and figurative uses are common. 4/5 · Strong
- fodeu It means we're screwed or that something has gone wrong. Literally, it translates to 'fucked'. 4/5 · Strong
- fodido It means screwed or in a difficult situation, often used to describe being ruined or in trouble. The literal translation is 'fucked.' 4/5 · Strong
G
- gaiato It refers to a mischievous joker or a cheeky person. Depending on the context, it can be used affectionately rather than as an insult. 1/5 · Mild
- gozar It means to enjoy something, but can also refer to mocking someone or even having an orgasm, depending on the context. The literal translation is 'enjoy.' 2/5 · Coarse
I
L
M
- maldito It means 'damned' and is used as an insulting intensifier. It can also carry a religious connotation, implying a curse. 2/5 · Coarse
- meleca It's a mild term for snot or a sticky mess, often used in a somewhat childish context. 1/5 · Mild
- merda It means 'shit' and can also refer to something of poor quality. It's a direct term for excrement. 3/5 · Vulgar
- mijar It means to urinate, specifically in a coarse way, like saying 'piss' in English. 2/5 · Coarse
- mijo Mijo is a coarse term for piss. It can also be used as a verb meaning to urinate. 2/5 · Coarse
N
- não me chateies Stop bothering me. 1/5 · Mild
O
P
- palhaço It refers to someone who is seen as ridiculous or unserious, like calling someone a clown. The literal sense of a performer is neutral and not offensive. 2/5 · Coarse
- paspalhão It's an emphatic comic insult used to describe a clumsy fool. Think of it as a playful jab at someone's lack of grace or common sense. 2/5 · Coarse
- paspalho It's a comic insult for someone who's a bumbling fool or clumsy. Think of it as a light-hearted way to call someone a bit of an idiot. 1/5 · Mild
- pau In informal settings, 'pau' is used as slang for penis. It literally translates to 'stick,' but in this context, it's definitely not neutral. 3/5 · Vulgar
- peidar It means to fart, referring to the act of passing gas. It's a straightforward term without any hidden meanings. 2/5 · Coarse
- peido This refers to a fart, the sound or act of passing gas. It's often used in a light-hearted or humorous context. 1/5 · Mild
- pentelho It's an insult used to describe someone who's a persistent nuisance or annoyance. Literally, it translates to 'pubic hair.' 2/5 · Coarse
- pica In Brazil, it refers to the penis in a vulgar, anatomical sense. It's informal slang that can come off as quite crude. 3/5 · Vulgar
- pilantra It's an insult for someone who's dishonest or untrustworthy. Think of it as calling someone a scoundrel or a rogue. 2/5 · Coarse
- piroca This is a vulgar term for 'penis' used in Brazilian Portuguese. It's a crude slang that doesn't carry formal connotations. 3/5 · Vulgar
- porcaria It means rubbish or something lousy, often used as an exclamation of annoyance. Literally, it translates to 'filth.' 2/5 · Coarse
- porra It's a vulgar exclamation used to express frustration or emphasize a point. Literally, it translates to 'semen.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- punheteiro It's a derogatory term for someone who masturbates, often used as an insult. It implies that the person is pathetic or worthless. 3/5 · Vulgar
- putaria This refers to sexual activities, but it can also describe disorderly or outrageous behavior more generally. It's often used in a loose, informal context. 3/5 · Vulgar
- puxa-saco It's an insult for someone who flatters others excessively, often to gain favor or advantage. Literally, it translates to 'sack puller.' 2/5 · Coarse
Q
T
- tarado It's a derogatory term for someone who is sexually obsessive or behaves inappropriately. It implies a strong judgment about their sexual behavior. 3/5 · Vulgar
- traque It's a mild term for a fart, used in casual conversation. Literally, it means 'small firecracker,' which adds a playful twist. 1/5 · Mild
- trepada It's a coarse term for a sexual encounter, often used in a casual or crude context. Literally, it means 'climb.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- trouxa It's an insult for someone considered a fool or easily manipulated. Think of it as calling someone a sucker or a gullible idiot. 2/5 · Coarse
V
- vagabundo It's an insult for someone perceived as lazy or worthless. The literal translation is 'vagrant,' but it carries a heavier social judgment. 3/5 · Vulgar
- vai à merda It's an angry dismissal, similar to telling someone to go to hell or fuck off. Literally, it translates to 'go to shit.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- vai tomar no cu This is a strong way to dismiss someone, telling them to go fuck themselves. It has a sexually degrading tone, implying a harsh insult. 5/5 · Extreme
- vai-te foder It means 'go fuck yourself' and is a strong way to dismiss someone. It's a direct insult that conveys significant disdain. 4/5 · Strong