pau
What does “pau” mean in English?
In informal settings, 'pau' is used as slang for penis. It literally translates to 'stick,' but in this context, it's definitely not neutral.
Literally “stick”
It's similar to calling someone a 'dick' in English, often used in a casual or derogatory way. You'll find it in everyday conversation, particularly among friends or in less formal contexts.
Take it with you
Wear it. Stick it. Drink from it.
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Related Portuguese words
pica
3/5 · VulgarIn Brazil, it refers to the penis in a vulgar, anatomical sense. It's informal slang that can come off as quite crude.
piroca
3/5 · VulgarThis is a vulgar term for 'penis' used in Brazilian Portuguese. It's a crude slang that doesn't carry formal connotations.
cacete
3/5 · VulgarThis is a vulgar term for penis and can also be used as an emphatic exclamation. In some contexts, it can express surprise or frustration.
foda
4/5 · StrongIt means 'sexual intercourse' but is often used to describe something difficult or impressive. In context, it can convey a sense of admiration or intensity.
About this data
Swear Atlas is a source-attested, AI-curated reference — not a native-speaker-certified dictionary. Meanings and the 1–5 Burn Rating are approximate editorial assessments that vary with context, region, tone and speaker. Inclusion of a word does not constitute endorsement of its use.
The literal gloss is a short editorial translation to show word-for-word sense, not an etymological claim.
“Sounds like” is an English-friendly approximation of how the word sounds, not an authoritative pronunciation. Where shown, the romanisation is a conventional Latin-script transliteration of the original spelling.
Term attested via LDNOOBW, FlacSy/BadWords, washyourmouthoutwithsoap (CC-BY-4.0, MIT AND CC-BY-4.0, MIT). Editorial content © Swear Atlas.