Tuesday 16 October 2012


Colloquialisms, sayings, Slang

Quem tem boca vai à Roma – Anyone with a mouth [can] go to Rome
The Brazilian equivalent of “he who asks shall receive” - NOT “all roads lead to Rome”. The idea is that anyone whith a mouth can ask for directions.

O que não mata engorda – That which doesn't kill you makes you fatter
The Brazilian version of “what doesn't kill you makes you stronger”.

Nós quem, cara-pálida? – Who's “we”, paleface?
A way of saying “Don't put me in the middle of this!”

Calma que o Brasil é nosso! - Calm [down], Brazil is ours [already]!
Somewhat equivalent to “Hold your horses!” and “Where's the fire?”. Used when anyone is rushing for no reason.

3 comments:

  1. Eu sou do rio e oque nao mata engorda e quando por exemplo algo cai no chão e mesmo assim você come

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  2. The third and the fourth doesn't exist lol
    And I agree with Luisa

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  3. Sim, "O que não mata engorda" é usado assim. Em Inglês, quando algo cai no chão e você o come de qualquer maneira se diz "o que não mata te faz mais forte" antes de comê-lo. Portanto, é o equivalente direto e não precisa ser explicado.

    (Yes, "O que não mata engorda" is used like that. In English, when something falls on the ground and you eat it anyway you say "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" before eating it. Therefore, it is the direct equivalent.)

    And yes, Bruno, they DO exist. In Minas Gerais they are common sayings (at least around Belo Horizonte). I heard them all the time growing up and still do when I visit family.

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