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The Portuguese language is full of linguistic variations, slang, typical expressions and mannerisms. In this context, there are 6 popular expressions that no one knows what they mean, even though they are used frequently in everyday life.
In general, they are expressions with rich meanings and that refer to cultural aspects. In this way, they can enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself better in oral or written communication, especially if you know what you are saying.
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What are the popular expressions that no one knows what they mean?
1. Button your jacket
This is one of the popular expressions that was passed between generations over time, but ended up losing its original meaning over time due to the lack of knowledge of those who use it. In simple terms, whoever is buttoning their jacket is dying.
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This is because one of the customs in preparing a wake or burial involves dressing the deceased in formal clothes. Thus, the jacket of someone who died is buttoned to make it look presentable.
As a result, it became popular to say that buttoning your jacket is synonymous with dying, but a more delicate way of saying it. Check out some examples:
- The way he is, he'll be buttoning his jacket soon;
- I don't know if Paulo will last long in this state of health, the family needs to be prepared if he buttons his jacket;
Image: Reproduction/Pexels
2. For English see
This is one of the popular expressions with the greatest historical character, because it refers to a political tradition from colonial times in Brazil. Firstly, it means creating or doing something with the mission of showing off, showing just for the sake of showing, without necessarily being effective or truthful about it.
In the first half of the 19th century, England tried to abolish slavery in the world for purely economic interests, as they wanted to exploit resources that were in the hands of other slave nations. Among the countries where this action was intended to be carried out was Brazil, which at the time had slave labor as the basis of its economy.
To resist pressure on the colony itself, the Portuguese Crown enacted laws such as the Feijó Law, which declared Africans disembarked in Brazilian ports during this period as free. In practice, the law was not complied with, and hence the expression “for the English to see”, because it was a measure to relieve pressure from the British Empire. See some examples:
- She hired a legal consultancy team, but it's something for English to see because nothing has changed;
- João keeps saying that he buys designer clothes, but it's for the English to see, everyone knows it's second-hand;
3. Watching ships
This is also one of the popular expressions of a historical nature, because it emerged in Portugal. With the death of the legendary Dom Sembastião, king of Portugal in 1578, several drastic political changes created hope among the population that their monarch was not really dead.
Thus, the Portuguese at the time waited for Dom Sebastião's return, frequently looking to the ocean in search of a glorious vessel bringing the king who would restore national glory.
However, as this never happened, the Portuguese were left watching ships. Therefore, this expression designates the frustration and disappointment of not having an objective fulfilled, even with the best efforts made. See some examples:
- She waited for her partner to arrive at the restaurant, but was left watching ships;
- They promised they would change their attitude, but the officials were left watching ships;
Image: Reproduction/Pexels
4. Step back
In simple terms, being on the back foot means being on the defensive. In the world of martial arts, this posture is adopted to support the base in the face of an opponent's attack or to anticipate an attack that requires movement or strength of the body.
In this way, it is a warning sign, but it can also indicate insecurity. So, it's as if the person is not completely involved in that situation, as they have one foot out the door, ready to go in another direction.
As an indicator of distrust, it can be used in several ways. Check out some examples:
- She was hesitant about the job offer;
- When she decided to get back together with her ex-husband, the time whole;
5. Without threshing floor or edge
In turn, this expression designates a person who is completely deprived of assets. This is because this is a Portuguese expression, since in the language of the Portuguese country, eira is the designation of a piece of dirt or cement land where the grains are dried.
Furthermore, the edge is an extension of the roof, a type of balcony, which protects the edge because it goes beyond the ends of the traditional roof. In other words, whoever is without a threshing floor or a bank has neither land nor a roof to protect themselves.
Therefore, it is the same as saying that the person has no penny, as both popular expressions have the same value. Check out some examples?
- After the company declared bankruptcy, the owner was left without a threshing floor or waterfront;
- She has been without a threshing floor since leaving her last job;
6. Swearing
This is an expression associated with its literal meaning. A person who smacks their teeth is usually talking too much and ends up biting their own tongue, leaving behind that latent pain.
Regarding the meaning of this popular saying, those who spill their tongues end up saying something that shouldn't have been shared, saying too much or exposing a secret. In the same way that the accident of biting your tongue causes pain and fright, so does exposing a confidential fact.
Therefore, it is said that someone spilled the beans when they said more than they should have. See some examples
- He spilled the beans and ruined the birthday surprise;
- Even though he participated in the confidential meeting, Mathias spilled the beans to the other employees;
So, did you enjoy learning about these popular expressions?
Never be in doubt again about what someone is saying or when to use one of these popular expressions. With these meanings, you can communicate in a more relaxed and charismatic way.
