Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gíria | /ˈʒi.ɾjɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈʒi.ɾjɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| calão | /kaˈlɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) /kɐˈlɐ̃w̃/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| jargão | /ʒaʁˈɡɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) /ʒaɾˈɡɐ̃w̃/ (São Paulo) |
masculine |
These terms describe unconventional language. You can use the verb falar with gíria to say someone is 'using slang' or 'speaking in slang'. Common examples of Portuguese slang include Legal (cool), Massa (great/awesome), Cara (dude), Mina (girl), Pode crer (no kidding), E aí? (What's up?) and the interjection Pô (well).
Which one should you use?
While gíria refers to social slang, jargão is used specifically for the technical jargon of a particular profession or group. Calão often carries a more negative connotation than gíria, frequently implying vulgarity or profanity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form gírias is commonly used to refer to individual slang terms or expressions.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of gíria is /ˈʒi.ɾjɐ/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The term calão has a surprising possible connection to the Romani language through the Spanish word 'caló'.
- In Brazil, gíria is so central to identity that certain cities have their own distinct sets of slang, such as the unique vocabulary used in Rio de Janeiro compared to São Paulo.
Examples in context
- Sami usa muitas gírias.Sami uses a lot of slang words.This sentence shows someone using many gíria forms.Tatoeba #9948640 by Ricardo14, translation #7985746 by OsoHombre
- É divertido aprender gírias em línguas estrangeiras.It's fun to learn slang words in foreign languages.This sentence discusses the fun of learning gíria in foreign languages.Tatoeba #8632459 by Ricardo14, translation #475757 by darinmex
- Prefiro aprender a linguagem literária, em vez da linguagem coloquial ou gíria. Eu conheci outros entusiastas de línguas que são exatamente o contrário.I prefer learning literary language, instead of colloquial language or slang. I have met other language enthusiasts who are just the opposite.This sentence expresses a preference for literary language over gíria.Tatoeba #10560308 by carlosalberto, translation #10559281 by nonong
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Gabriel are studying for a Portuguese exam.
- JulianaEu não entendo essa gíria.I don't understand this slang.
- GabrielO que ela significa?What does it mean?
- JulianaÉ uma gíria muito nova.It is a very new slang.
- GabrielVou pesquisar para você.I will look it up for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slang” translations and entries gíria, calão, jargão, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calão, gíria, jargão, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
