There are several differences between Porto and Lisbon— and we’re not just talking about cuisine. In fact, there are different expressions and/or typical words that only make sense to those who live in the “Invicta” city and the northern region; expressions that aren’t used at all in the southern region. From the legendary “fino” to the fact that tennis is a sport for us, it’s worth taking a look at this “local dictionary” full of the “tripeiro” accent.
Only those from Porto will understand
Here are a few (among many others) expressions that only people from Porto and/or the northern region will understand.
For everyday life
- Laurear a pevide: to go for a walk, take a stroll
- Briol: cold (very cold)
- Dia de picó boi: a workday
- To have a “foguete”: a hole in your tights
- Não perceber patavina: not understand a thing about the subject
- Arreganhar a taxa: to laugh and show your teeth
- Esbardalhar: to fall
- Aloquete: padlock
- Alapar: to sit very still
- Mandar bitaites: to offer unsolicited advice
- Amarfanhar: to squeeze or press something tightly
- (B)Vergar a mola: to work hard, to really put in the effort
- Dar de frosques: to leave (take off)
- Bicha: a line (such as a waiting line)
- Estar com o toco: to be in a bad mood
- Breca: a muscle cramp
- Jeco: a dog
- Carago: an interjection that works in most situations (surprise, joy, annoyance—basically, it works for everything!)
- Lend a “grosso”: It’s not even worth it
- Andar de cu tremido: to drive a car
- Bolinha pinchona: down south they say “bolinha saltitona”
- Lapada: a slap, a smack
- Chamar o Gregório: to throw up
- Comer o caco: to get confused
Affectionate “insults” and “taunts”
- (B)Vais toda lampeira: to describe someone who is very vain
- (B)Vai no Batalha: You’re telling me “stories”; you’re “stringing me along”; it’s a load of nonsense; it’s a lie
- Armar ao pingarelho: trying to act smart without actually being so
- (Ó) (b)vai-me à loja: don’t bother me, go away
- Broeiro: someone with no manners, rude
- Acordar de cu pró ar: to wake up in a bad mood
- Arrotar postas de pescada: to brag, to talk without knowing what you’re talking about
- Andor (b)violeta: Get out, disappear!
On eating and drinking
- Estrugido: The first step in any Portuguese dish. In other regions, they say “refogado.”
- Encher a mula: to eat (and eat well)
- I’ll have a “fino”: the same as an “imperial” further south
- Pneu (drink): mineral water with ice and lemon and a packet of sugar, which comes on the side for anyone who wants it
- Surbia: a beer
- Molete: a regular loaf of bread
On death
- “Ir de vela”: something that’s over, lost, and/or finished
- Esticou o pernil: died
- Bater a caçoleta: to die
- Went to make bricks: died
What about you—do you use and/or know any of these expressions?
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