mordaça
/moʁˈda.sɐ/
The Portuguese word for a gag (as in a joke or prank) is mordaça.
In a metaphorical sense, mordaça is used to describe censorship or the suppression of free speech. In other contexts, it can also refer to a physical gag used to obstruct the mouth.
Meaning: joke or prank (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
mordaça literally refers to a physical gag or bit used to obstruct the mouth.
Which one should you use?
While mordaça can be used to mean a gag, the standard word for a verbal joke is piada.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /moʁˈda.sɐ/.
Did you know?
- The word mordaça shares a linguistic root with the English word 'mordant', used to describe a biting or caustic style of humor.
- In Brazilian political discourse, the term Lei da Mordaça is used to describe specific laws that limit the freedom of speech for candidates during elections.
- The root of mordaça is linked to the verb morder, which means 'to bite'.
Examples in context
- Isto é uma mordaça?Is this a gag?This sentence is useful for asking if something is a mordaça.Tatoeba #8847677 by RochaAr, translation #2253519 by _undertoad
- O comediante contou uma piada engraçadíssima durante seu show.The comedian told a very funny gag during his show.
- Adoro as brincadeiras que eles fazem no programa de televisão.I love the gags they do on the TV show.
- Quando vi a sacada do personagem no filme, ri muito.When I saw the character's gag in the movie, I laughed a lot.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Rodrigo are watching a comedy show.
- BeatrizVocê gostou daquela mordaça?Did you like that gag?
- RodrigoSim, foi a melhor parte.Yes, it was the best part.
- BeatrizEu não esperava por aquilo.I wasn't expecting that.
- RodrigoEssa mordaça foi genial!That gag was genius!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mordaça, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mordaça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
