12 Gen Z Slang Trends in Brazil

The Gen Z population is redefining linguistic expressions through their unique slang trends worldwide. Things wouldn’t be different in Brazil, right? These trends encapsulate the cultural dynamism and evolving language usage among Brazilian youths. Let’s delve into the vibrant world of Gen Z slang trends in Brazil that are shaping conversations and online interactions across the country.

What Are Gen Z Slang Trends?

Gen Z slang trends encompass a variety of words, phrases, and expressions that reflect the younger generation’s distinct way of communication. These linguistic innovations often emerge from popular culture, social media, and everyday interactions, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of language.

In Brazil, Gen Z slang trends heavily draw inspiration from digital culture. Emoticons, abbreviations, and memes play a significant role in shaping their conversational style. Words like “crush” (referring to someone’s romantic interest) and “cancelar” (to cancel someone or something) have become integral parts of their vocabulary.

Another prominent trend is the integration of English words into Brazilian Portuguese slang. Phrases like “shippar” (to support a romantic relationship between fictional or real individuals) and “cringe” (referring to something embarrassing or uncomfortable) have found their way into everyday conversations.

Social Media’s Impact on Linguistic Trends

Social media platforms serve as catalysts for disseminating Gen Z slang trends. Memes, hashtags, and viral challenges contribute significantly to the propagation of new words and expressions among Brazilian youth. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter play a pivotal role in this linguistic evolution.

Influencers and content creators wield substantial influence over Gen Z slang trends in Brazil. Their language usage, especially on social media, sets trends that quickly catch on among their followers. The phrases and expressions they use often become part of the everyday vocabulary for many young Brazilians.

Gen Z Slang Trends in Brazil

Here is a list of Gen Z slang trends in Brazil along with their meanings:

1. Contatinho: Refers to someone with whom you have casual or flirty communication, often a potential romantic interest.
2. Foi de arrasta: Indicates that something is over or that someone has died. It is based on the former “swipe up” functionality on Instagram.
3. Biscoitar: To seek attention or admiration, usually by excessively liking, commenting, or interacting with someone’s social media posts.
4. Hablar: To speak up your mind. Often used as “Hablar mesmo” and its verb tense variations.
5. Cringe: Refers to something embarrassing, awkward, or uncomfortable, often used to describe content or behavior deemed uncool.
6. Flopar: When something does not succeed or perform well, usually related to social media posts, events, or trends that fail to gain traction.
7. Mandrake: Someone who is stylish or cool. Used as Mandraka for girls and Mandrake for boys.
8. Tankar: The word became popular as a synonym for “put up with”, or “endure” something.
9. Gado: Refers to someone who blindly follows or idolizes another person, often used to describe someone who is easily influenced or manipulated.
10. Treta: Denotes a conflict, argument, or heated disagreement between individuals or groups, similar to a feud or beef.
11. Coringar: Used to say that a person has gone crazy for some reason. It is a reference to the DC Comic’s supervillain, Joker (Coringa in Portuguese).
12. Na régua: Describes something that is well-done or perfectly executed, often a haircut.

Brazilian Slang

Slang makes up a very important part of every language, created and used by specific groups of people to replace the more formal way of expression. In Brazil, the use of slang is common practice and is almost always prevalent in the everyday life of most Brazilians. If you want to learn about old, new, and popular slang in Brazil, check out our blog post: The ultimate list of carioca SLANG! – Brazilian slang.

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