Mastering Paulista Slang: 21 Expressions to Sound Like a Local in São Paulo

If you’re planning a trip to São Paulo or simply want to blend in with locals, learning the city’s slang is essential! Paulistano expressions are full of energy, humor, and unique meanings. In this post, we’ve gathered 21 popular São Paulo expressions with their literal translations, explanations, and examples in both Portuguese and English to help you sound like a true local.

1. Demorou

Literal Translation: It took long
Explanation: Used to express agreement or confirmation, similar to “I’m in!” or “Let’s do it!” in English.

Example 1 (Agreement):
Portuguese: “Vamos para o bar mais tarde?”
English: “Are we going to the bar later?”
“Demorou!” – “I’m in!”
Context: Confirming participation in a plan.

Example 2 (Confirmation):
Portuguese: “Te ajudo com isso depois.”
English: “I’ll help you with that later.”
“Demorou!” – “Sounds good!”
Context: Agreeing with someone’s statement.

Example 3 (Excitement):
Portuguese: “Se rolar um churrasco no sábado, demorou!”
English: “If there’s a barbecue on Saturday, count me in!”
Context: Expressing enthusiasm about an invitation.

2. Firmeza

Literal Translation: Firmness
Explanation: Can mean “all good,” “cool,” or “I agree.” Similar to “Alright!” or “Sounds good!”

Example 1 (Checking in):
Portuguese: “E aí, firmeza?”
English: “Hey, all good?”
Context: Casual greeting.

Example 2 (Agreement):
Portuguese: “Pode deixar que eu resolvo isso.”
English: “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”
“Firmeza!” – “Alright!”
Context: Confirming an arrangement.

Example 3 (Approval):
Portuguese: “Essa ideia é firmeza, vamos seguir com ela!”
English: “This idea is solid, let’s go with it!”
Context: Approving a suggestion.

3. Tipo assim

Literal Translation: Like this
Explanation: A filler phrase used like “kinda like” or “you know” in English.

Example 1 (Explaining something):
Portuguese: “Tipo assim, ele quer mudar de emprego, mas ainda está inseguro.”
English: “Like, he wants to change jobs, but he’s still unsure.”
Context: Trying to clarify a situation.

Example 2 (Thinking aloud):
Portuguese: “Eu queria um carro novo, tipo assim, algo esportivo mas econômico.”
English: “I wanted a new car, like, something sporty but fuel-efficient.”
Context: Expressing an idea in an uncertain manner.

Example 3 (Casual conversation):
Portuguese: “Tipo assim, você não acha que ele exagerou um pouco?”
English: “Like, don’t you think he overreacted a little?”
Context: Informally discussing a topic.

4. Mina / Mano

Literal Translation: Girl / Bro
Explanation: “Mina” means girl, and “mano” (short for “irmão”) means dude, similar to “bro” in English.

Example 1 (Casual talk):
Portuguese: “Essa mina manda muito bem no skate!”
English: “That girl is really good at skating!”
Context: Complimenting someone’s skills.

Example 2 (Greeting a friend):
Portuguese: “E aí, mano, beleza?”
English: “What’s up, bro? All good?”
Context: Informal greeting between friends.

Example 3 (Friendly argument):
Portuguese: “Mina, você não pode perder esse show!”
English: “Girl, you can’t miss this concert!”
Context: Persuading someone to do something.

5. Zica

Literal Translation: Jinx
Explanation: Can mean bad luck, trouble, or even something really impressive.

Example 1 (Bad luck):
Portuguese: “Esqueci meu celular no ônibus, que zica!”
English: “I forgot my phone on the bus, what bad luck!”
Context: Complaining about a misfortune.

Example 2 (Something amazing):
Portuguese: “Aquele jogador é zica!”
English: “That player is insane (in a good way)!”
Context: Praising someone’s skills.

Example 3 (Unfortunate situation):
Portuguese: “Zica total, o show foi cancelado por causa da chuva.”
English: “Total bummer, the concert got canceled because of the rain.”
Context: Expressing disappointment over an event.

6. De boa

Literal Translation: At ease
Explanation: Means everything is fine or relaxed, similar to “no worries” or “all good.”

Example 1 (Reassuring someone):
Portuguese: “Esqueci de te avisar, mas de boa, não foi nada importante.”
English: “I forgot to tell you, but no worries, it wasn’t important.”
Context: Minimizing an issue.

Example 2 (Relaxed state):
Portuguese: “Vou passar o feriado em casa, só de boa.”
English: “I’m spending the holiday at home, just chilling.”
Context: Describing a laid-back moment.

Example 3 (Acceptance):
Portuguese: “Você pegou a última fatia da pizza? De boa, eu não estava com tanta fome.”
English: “You took the last slice of pizza? It’s all good, I wasn’t that hungry.”
Context: Expressing no hard feelings.

7. Rolezão / Rolê

Literal Translation: Big outing / Outing
Explanation: “Rolê” means hanging out, and “rolezão” is a bigger, more exciting outing.

Example 1 (Casual outing):
Portuguese: “Vamos dar um rolê no shopping?”
English: “Wanna hang out at the mall?”
Context: Inviting someone to a casual outing.

Example 2 (Bigger event):
Portuguese: “Sábado tem um rolezão na casa do João!”
English: “Saturday, there’s a big party at João’s place!”
Context: Referring to an anticipated social gathering.

Example 3 (Unexpected adventure):
Portuguese: “Era só um café, mas virou um rolezão pela cidade!”
English: “It was supposed to be just coffee, but it turned into a big night out!”
Context: When small plans escalate into something bigger.

8. Pegar um rango

Literal Translation: Grab some grub
Explanation: Means getting food, similar to “grab a bite.”

Example 1 (Hunger strike):
Portuguese: “Tô morrendo de fome, bora pegar um rango?”
English: “I’m starving, let’s grab some food?”
Context: Expressing hunger.

Example 2 (Lunch plans):
Portuguese: “Depois do treino, vou pegar um rango rápido.”
English: “After practice, I’ll grab a quick bite.”
Context: Talking about food after an activity.

Example 3 (Recommendation):
Portuguese: “Aquele restaurante novo é top, vamos pegar um rango lá!”
English: “That new restaurant is amazing, let’s eat there!”
Context: Suggesting a place to eat.

9. Bagulho

Literal Translation: Thing
Explanation: Used to refer to anything, similar to “thingy” or “stuff.”

Example 1 (Describing something vague):
Portuguese: “Que bagulho estranho aconteceu aqui?”
English: “What weird thing just happened here?”
Context: Referring to something unclear or mysterious.

Example 2 (Avoiding details):
Portuguese: “Me empresta aquele bagulho ali?”
English: “Can you lend me that thing over there?”
Context: When forgetting or not wanting to name an object.

Example 3 (Emphasizing importance):
Portuguese: “Esse bagulho aqui é sério, presta atenção!”
English: “This thing is serious, pay attention!”
Context: Emphasizing something crucial.

10. Suave

Literal Translation: Smooth
Explanation: Means relaxed, cool, or easygoing.

Example 1 (Mood check):
Portuguese: “E aí, tudo suave?”
English: “Hey, all good?”
Context: Casual greeting.

Example 2 (Comforting someone):
Portuguese: “Relaxa, tá tudo suave.”
English: “Relax, everything’s cool.”
Context: Reassuring someone.

Example 3 (Describing ease):
Portuguese: “A prova foi suave, deu pra fazer tranquilo.”
English: “The test was easy, I managed to do it just fine.”
Context: Talking about an easy situation.

11. Daora

Literal Translation: From now
Explanation: Means something is really cool, like “awesome.”

Example 1 (Complimenting something):
Portuguese: “Esse som é daora!”
English: “This song is awesome!”
Context: Praising something enjoyable.

Example 2 (Exciting plans):
Portuguese: “Tem um evento daora rolando amanhã.”
English: “There’s a cool event happening tomorrow.”
Context: Inviting someone to an event.

Example 3 (Praising a person):
Portuguese: “Aquele cara é daora, sempre ajuda todo mundo.”
English: “That guy is awesome, he always helps everyone.”
Context: Complimenting someone’s character.

12. Fechou

Literal Translation: Closed
Explanation: Used to confirm a plan or agreement, like “Deal!”

Example 1 (Confirming plans):
Portuguese: “Nos encontramos às 8, fechou?”
English: “We’ll meet at 8, deal?”
Context: Making sure a plan is set.

Example 2 (Agreement on an idea):
Portuguese: “Vamos na pizzaria então?”
English: “So, we’re going to the pizza place?”
“Fechou!” – “Deal!”
Context: Agreeing on a decision.

Example 3 (Finalizing arrangements):
Portuguese: “Depois do trabalho, fechou de irmos juntos?”
English: “After work, we’re heading there together, right?”
Context: Confirming last details.

13. Chave

Literal Translation: Key
Explanation: Means something is stylish, impressive, or cool.

Example 1 (Fashion praise):
Portuguese: “Seu tênis tá muito chave!”
English: “Your sneakers are so stylish!”
Context: Complimenting someone’s outfit.

Example 2 (Impressive action):
Portuguese: “Aquele gol foi chave demais!”
English: “That goal was amazing!”
Context: Praising an impressive moment.

Example 3 (Cool event):
Portuguese: “O rolê ontem foi chave!”
English: “Last night’s hangout was awesome!”
Context: Talking about a great event.

14. Tá osso

Literal Translation: It’s bone
Explanation: Used to say something is hard or difficult, similar to “It’s tough.”

Example 1 (Work stress):
Portuguese: “Tô cheio de trabalho essa semana, tá osso!”
English: “I have so much work this week, it’s tough!”
Context: Expressing struggle with workload.

Example 2 (Difficult test):
Portuguese: “Essa prova tá osso, não estudei nada.”
English: “This test is hard, I didn’t study at all.”
Context: Describing a challenging situation.

Example 3 (Unpleasant situation):
Portuguese: “Ficar esperando nesse frio tá osso!”
English: “Waiting out here in the cold is brutal!”
Context: Complaining about discomfort.

15. Dar um salve

Literal Translation: Give a greeting
Explanation: Means to call, message, or send regards to someone.

Example 1 (Calling a friend):
Portuguese: “Dá um salve quando chegar em casa!”
English: “Hit me up when you get home!”
Context: Asking for a message upon arrival.

Example 2 (Contacting someone):
Portuguese: “Vou dar um salve nele pra ver se ele cola no rolê.”
English: “I’ll text him to see if he’s coming to the party.”
Context: Trying to reach someone.

Example 3 (Sending regards):
Portuguese: “Se falar com a Carla, dá um salve por mim!”
English: “If you talk to Carla, send her my regards!”
Context: Asking someone to pass on a message.

16. Mó cota

Literal Translation: Big quota
Explanation: Means a long time.

Example 1 (Missing a friend):
Portuguese: “Faz mó cota que a gente não se vê!”
English: “It’s been forever since we last saw each other!”
Context: Expressing a long time apart.

Example 2 (Time gap):
Portuguese: “Não como hambúrguer faz mó cota!”
English: “I haven’t had a burger in ages!”
Context: Talking about a long time without something.

Example 3 (Waiting too long):
Portuguese: “Tô esperando aqui faz mó cota!”
English: “I’ve been waiting here forever!”
Context: Complaining about a long wait.

17. Chapado

Literal Translation: Flattened
Explanation: Means to be super tired, dizzy, or high.

Example 1 (Exhaustion):
Portuguese: “Trabalhei o dia todo sem parar, tô chapado!”
English: “I worked all day non-stop, I’m completely drained!”
Context: Expressing extreme tiredness after a long workday.

Example 2 (Dizzy feeling):
Portuguese: “Tomei tanto sol que tô chapado.”
English: “I got so much sun I feel dizzy.”
Context: Feeling lightheaded from the heat.

Example 3 (Under the influence):
Portuguese: “Ele bebeu muito e ficou chapado.”
English: “He drank a lot and got really wasted.”
Context: Describing someone heavily intoxicated.

18. Cê é louco

Literal Translation: You’re crazy
Explanation: Used to express surprise, amazement, or disbelief.

Example 1 (Extreme reaction):
Portuguese: “Cê é louco, esse carro é lindo demais!”
English: “No way, this car is insanely beautiful!”
Context: Expressing amazement.

Example 2 (Admiring a skill):
Portuguese: “O cara joga muito, cê é louco!”
English: “That guy plays incredibly well, no way!”
Context: Reacting to an impressive performance.

Example 3 (Surprised at a price):
Portuguese: “Cê é louco, essa jaqueta custa mil reais!”
English: “No way, this jacket costs a thousand bucks!”
Context: Shock at an expensive price.

19. Que fita

Literal Translation: What tape
Explanation: Used to say “what a situation” or “what a mess.”

Example 1 (Drama):
Portuguese: “Ela brigou com ele de novo? Que fita!”
English: “She fought with him again? What a mess!”
Context: Reacting to unnecessary drama.

Example 2 (Unfair situation):
Portuguese: “Fui reprovado por um ponto, que fita!”
English: “I failed by one point, what a situation!”
Context: Complaining about unfairness.

Example 3 (Confusion):
Portuguese: “Cheguei lá e ninguém sabia de nada. Que fita!”
English: “I got there and no one knew anything. What a mess!”
Context: Expressing confusion.

20. Dar um perdido

Literal Translation: Give a lost
Explanation: Means to ditch someone or avoid plans.

Example 1 (Ditching a plan):
Portuguese: “Marcamos de sair, mas ele deu um perdido em todo mundo.”
English: “We made plans, but he ditched everyone.”
Context: Talking about someone who didn’t show up.

Example 2 (Avoiding responsibility):
Portuguese: “O chefe me chamou, mas dei um perdido e saí mais cedo.”
English: “The boss called me, but I dodged it and left early.”
Context: Escaping a situation.

Example 3 (Avoiding someone):
Portuguese: “Ela tava afim de conversar, mas dei um perdido nela.”
English: “She wanted to talk, but I avoided her.”
Context: Ignoring or avoiding a person.

21. Tá ligado?

Literal Translation: Are you connected?
Explanation: Means “you know?” or “you get me?”

Example 1 (Explaining something):
Portuguese: “Eu não gosto desse lugar, tá ligado?”
English: “I don’t like this place, you know?”
Context: Making sure someone understands.

Example 2 (Seeking agreement):
Portuguese: “Essa banda é muito boa, tá ligado?”
English: “This band is really good, you know?”
Context: Looking for agreement.

Example 3 (Clarifying an opinion):
Portuguese: “Prefiro sair cedo pra evitar trânsito, tá ligado?”
English: “I prefer leaving early to avoid traffic, you get me?”
Context: Explaining a preference.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered these 21 Paulista slang expressions, you’re ready to sound like a true local in São Paulo! Practice using these words in conversations, and soon, cê vai falar que nem um Paulistano de verdade! 🚀

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