canalha
/kaˈna.ʎɐ/
The English phrase 'scumbag' translates to Portuguese as canalha.
The word is used to describe a person who is considered to have no morals or is otherwise despicable.
Meaning: despicable person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While canalha is a standard way to express this, you might encounter other terms depending on the setting. In Brazil, the informal term cafajeste is commonly used to describe someone who is untrustworthy, morally corrupt or behaves disrespectfully. For a more formal way to convey that someone is contemptible, you can use the expression indivíduo desprezível.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
canalha is an informal insult. If you need to express a similar sentiment in a formal context, use the expression indivíduo desprezível. In Brazil, cafajeste is also a common informal term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of canalha is canalhas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables: /kaˈna.ʎɐ/. The stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While canalha is a harsh insult, the Brazilian term cafajeste is sometimes used with a playful or flirtatious connotation to describe a 'charming rogue'.
- The word canalha is etymologically linked to the Latin word canis, which means 'dog'. It suggests that a 'scumbag' is someone of low, canine status.
- The word canalha was borrowed into Portuguese from the Italian word canaglia, which originally referred to a 'rabble' or the lowest class of people.
Examples in context
- Aquele homem é um canalha.That man is a scumbag.
- Não confie nele, ele é um canalha.Don't trust him, he is a scumbag.
- Como ele pôde fazer isso? Que canalha!How could he do that? What a scumbag!
Example conversation
Felipe and Mariana are discussing a dishonest former coworker.
- FelipeVocê viu o que o ex-chefe fez?Did you see what the former boss did?
- MarianaVi, ele é um canalha de verdade.I saw, he is a real scumbag.
- FelipeEle roubou o dinheiro da empresa.He stole the company's money.
- MarianaEu sabia que ele era um canalha.I knew he was a scumbag.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry canalha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canalha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
