50 Funny Portuguese Words

1. Abóbora – Literally “pumpkin,” but can be used to describe someone a bit silly.

2. Xuxu – Means both “squash” and a term of endearment equivalent to “sweetie.”

3. Pirralho – A funny term for a mischievous child, similar to “rascal.”

4. Pinguelinho – Refers to a small, rickety bridge; sounds as wobbly as it is.

5. Cafuné – Giving someone gentle head scratches; oddly satisfying and giggle-worthy.

6. Picuinha – Petty disputes or quarrels often over trivial matters.

7. Chulé – Stinky feet! You wouldn’t want to admit having this.

8. Zé-ninguém – A nobody; perfect for when you need to poke fun intimately.

9. Lagartixa – A small, harmless gecko, amusingly fun to say.

10. Piroca – A playful but somewhat naughty term for the male anatomy.

11. Bicho-preguiça – Literally “sloth,” but bicho means “bug,” making this the “lazy bug.”

12. Parrudo – Describes someone robust or muscular; kind of endearingly macho.

13. Patavina – Means nothing at all; often used in “Não entendi patavina” (“I didn’t understand a thing”).

14. Sapeca – A mischievous yet charming child, always up to some cheeky antics.

15. Chuchu – Another term for something boring; “sem graça igual ao chuchu.”

16. Zanzar – To wander aimlessly without purpose; sounds whimsical.

17. Cacareco – Junk or rubbish with a funny twist, like knick-knacks.

18. Fuzuê – A loud commotion or hubbub; think wild parties or protests.

19. Confiscar – To confiscate; sounds like you’re about to grab something funny.

20. Jibóia – A large, non-venomous snake; its name sounds humorous.

21. Maracujá – A passionfruit; amusing to say and delicious to eat.

22. Xarope – Means syrup, but also slang for someone irritating.

23. Papagaio – Parrot; both the bird and a chattering person.

24. Espalhafatoso – Someone flamboyantly loud and attention-grabbing.

25. Cotovelo – Elbow; for some reason, it’s fun to throw into conversation.

26. Urucubaca – Bad luck or a curse, often said with playful superstition.

27. Bufunfa – Slang for money, in a somewhat comedic context.

28. Malemolência – Easygoing, casual attitude; sounds like smooth slacking.

29. Bocó – A goofy person; innocent but laughable.

30. Pipoca – Popcorn; the word itself almost pops when you say it.

31. Encrenca – Trouble; you’re always in it, and it’s amusing to admit.

32. Babugem – Foam from soap or the sea; frothy and fun.

33. Jararaca – A type of viper snake; humorous if you hear it out of context.

34. Cafofo – Cozy, albeit messy, small place; think ‘bachelor pad.’

35. Tretar – To argue fiercely; funny when it’s not serious.

36. Bagunça – Mess or chaos, which sounds as disordered as it implies.

37. Zunzunzum – Low murmurs or gossip, perfect for hush-hush contexts.

38. Chamego – Excessive affection, almost so much it’s funny.

39. Fuleragem – Foolish behavior, often used humorously.

40. Babaca – A dope or simpleton; mildly insulting but playful.

41. Lambe-lambe – Vintage type of photographer; literally means ‘lick-lick.’

42. Fuinha – A sneaky or cunning person; cunning yet amusing.

43. Trapaceiro – Trickster, in a light-hearted sense.

44. Burro – Donkey, but also slang for someone acting foolishly.

45. Pentelho – Annoying person, like a ‘rabble-rouser.’

46. Chochê – Someone slow-moving or sluggish, in an endearing manner.

47. Vagabundo – Loafer, but often used jovially.

48. Xereta – Nosy person, always prying and meddling yet funny.

49. Bizarro – Bizarre, but sounds funnier in Portuguese.

50. Pamonha – Corn pudding, but slang for someone slow-witted.