THE ENGLISH YOU THINK YOU KNOW

A apropriação de palavras estrangeiras pelo português, ao contrário do que se imagina, não faz mal nenhum em si, podendo até ajudar a enriquecer e aumentar o vocabulário. O problema surge quando o significado da palavra em uso aqui não tem nada a ver com o da língua original ...

The Brazilian language accepts English words easily, which has led to some old cases of excess. These English words are used in Portuguese, but with different meanings. Famous examples include the following:

BODY – body by itself is the word for our physical being from head to toe. BODY SUIT or BODY STOCKING is the right name for a kind of leotard that covers the body up to the wrists and ankles.

BOX – in English a box is a rectangular container, usually of cardboard or wood, but not a GARAGE or, as many Brazilians say, the place to take a shower. The former would be a garage space and the latter would be a SHOWER STALL.

CAMPING – this English gerund derives from the verb to camp. The English word is CAMPGROUND.

COOPER – a Brazilian term for aerobic running, which the British and Americans call JOGGING, funnily enough. The word actually comes from the name of the man considered the father of aerobics: Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper.

DRIVE IN – the American version gives a man and a woman an OUTDOOR movie and “fun”. The Brazilian version dispenses with the movie.

FLIPPER (FLIPERAMA) – the game is called PINBALL in English. Evidently, this word in Portuguese comes from the name of the tow little arms operated with buttons on the side of the machine. Those are called flippers, often with that name written on them.

MAKING OFF – the correct expression is MAKING OF, because it´s a movie about the making of a movie.

OUTDOOR – the Brazilians use this term for a large roadside advertisement, which in the USA is called a BILLBOARD. The word outdoor by itself has nothing to do with advertising.

PIANO´S BAR – can be used if the bar´s owner is, for example, Zé Piano. Otherwise, Americans just call it a PIANO BAR.

SHOPPING – this English gerund derives from the verb to shop, and Brazilians use it to denote a MALL or a SHOPPING CENTER. In English, shopping without center is an action, not a place.

STEP – if you tell an American that you can´t drive because your “step is flat”, you´ll get a blank stare. The correct word is SPARE tire.

SMOKING – the most formal of mens´ suits is called a TUXEDO in American English, or a DINNER JACKET in British English. A smoking jacket is a different kind of jacket, not a whole suit, and it is to be worn inside the home, never outside.

Speak Up – ano XVI – número 192