Learning to speak Carioca

Rio de Janeiro is a big, vibrant city. There are tons of amazing places to visit, and music is everywhere you go. Plus, Carioca slang is super distinctive, just like their unmistakable accent. Indeed, there are things that only make sense to those from Rio de Janeiro, right? That's why we've gathered here some of the many Carioca expressions to "give you a hand" when you visit Rio de Janeiro. Take notes:

Recommended: Beginner's Survival Guide

0800 Something free, no cost.

BAGULHO Thing or random situation; also a joint.

BELEZA Used for greeting, acceptance, or excitement.

BOLADO Someone who’s worried.

BORA/PARTIU Same as “let’s go.”

BRISA State of deep reflection (with or without drugs).

BROTAR To show up.

CAÍDO Something boring, not fun.

CAÔ A lie.

CARACA Expression of surprise or disappointment, depending on the context.

COÉ (Qual + é) Starts a sentence, calmly or exasperated: “Coé, beleza?” or “Coé, tá maluco?”

CONTO Money (no plural). “The drink costs more than 30 conto.”

DEMORÔ/JÁ É! A form of agreement.

DEU RUIM Didn’t work out.

FALA SÉRIO! Expression indicating discontent.

FICAR DE BOB (BOBEIRA) Doing nothing; chilling.

FLUIR To go well.

F*DA Something good, difficult, or impressive, depending on the context.

FURA-OLHO Someone who betrays or takes what’s not theirs.

IRADO/MANEIRO Something very cool or someone very nice.

MALUCO Dude, guy.

MANÉ Dude, guy; or a fool, depending on the context.

MERMÃO (MEU + IRMÃO) Used to address someone: “Mermão, you won’t believe it!”

METER O PÉ To leave.

MÓ Typical way of saying “major.”

MORAL Importance; help: “He’s got mó moral” or “I need you to give me a moral.”

NA MÃO DO PALHAÇO Someone who’s very drunk or high.

NIGHT Night event, party, club.

ONDA Something good, fun, unique; or being high.

PAPO RETO Something serious or an expression of agreement.

PARADA Thing.

PELA-SACO Annoying or suck-up person.

PERDEU A LINHA Went over the top, was irrational.

P*RRA Used like a comma, can mean “thing” or “situation”; or an expression of surprise or anger: “This prrra is weird” or “Prrra, I can’t believe it!”

PORRADA Fight; something in large quantity.

ROLÉ Stroll, outing.

SANGUE BOM Someone very cool, trustworthy.

SE LIGA Expression asking for attention.

SINISTRO Something bizarre, difficult, or amazing, depending on the context.

TRETA Confusion, problem.

TROCAR UMA IDEIA To chat.

TU Same as “you” (você), used in the third person. “Tu vai sair hoje?”

VAMOS MARCAR Carioca way of saying the meeting won’t happen anytime soon.