manequim
/ma.niˈkĩ/
In Portuguese, the English word 'dummy' can be translated as manequim when referring to a deliberately nonfunctional placeholder.
The term manequim is used for a nonfunctional placeholder. Depending on the context, other words may be more appropriate: Boneco de Treinamento refers to professional training models, Bobo is used for playful teasing or mild scolding, Tolo describes a foolish or naïve person and Idiota is an informal term for an idiot or foolish person.
Meaning: a deliberately nonfunctional placeholder (noun)
Which one should you use?
While manequim is the general term for a placeholder, Boneco de Treinamento is specifically used for training models in professional settings. For people, Tolo describes someone naïve, whereas Bobo is more versatile and can be used for teasing and Idiota is a more aggressive way to call someone an idiot.
How do you pronounce it?
The word manequim is pronounced /ma.niˈkĩ/ and has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, the word manequim is also used to describe a person with the ideal body proportions for high fashion modeling.
- Depending on the region, calling someone a boneco can be a slang way to suggest they are being manipulated by someone else like a puppet.
- The word manequim shares a common ancestor with the English word 'mannequin', both tracing back to a Dutch word for 'little man'.
Examples in context
- Você é um boboYou are a dummy
- Não acredite em tudo que te dizem, você é um palerma.Don't believe everything people tell you, you are a dummy.
- Ela se sentiu tola por ter caído naquela pegadinha.She felt foolish for falling for that prank.
- Não seja idiota e preste atenção nas instruções!Don't be an idiot and pay attention to the instructions!
- Precisamos de um boneco de treinamento avançado para a simulação de resgate.We need an advanced training dummy for the rescue simulation.
- Os estudantes de medicina estão usando modelos de estudo para o exame prático.The medical students are using study dummies for the practical exam.
- Você é um bobo engraçado! Sempre me faz rir.You are a funny dummy! You always make me laugh.
- O manequim da loja é muito realista.The store's mannequin is very realistic.
- Eles compraram um manequim para a vitrine.They bought a mannequin for the window display.
Example conversation
Mariana and Gabriel are working at a clothing store.
- MarianaGabriel, onde está o manequim novo?Gabriel, where is the new dummy?
- GabrielEstá no estoque, Mariana.It is in the stockroom, Mariana.
- MarianaTemos que vestir ele agora.We have to dress it now.
- GabrielVou buscar ele para você.I will go get it for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry manequim, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manequim, CC BY-SA 4.0.
