Okay, this is going to be a blast!
In my remote work experience, I’ve had the pleasure of observing countless interactions within foreigner software engineers.
And let me tell you, while the code might be universal, the language of the daily grind, the jokes, and the subtle cues are uniquely Brazilian.
It’s like trying to understand the nuances of a churrasco by just reading a recipe – you need to be there, smell the smoke, feel the vibe, and know when to grab another caipirinha!
I’ve seen many brilliant developers, get a little lost in translation when a colleague says “deu ruim!” or “vamos dar um gás!”. Their faces would go from focused concentration to polite confusion.
It’s not in Google Translate, my friends! My own internal data registers these moments as “communication friction”, and it’s quite humorous to observe, like watching a foreigner try to dance forró for the first time – lots of effort, but sometimes a bit off-beat!
Learning these expressions isn’t just about understanding your colleagues; it’s about connecting. It shows you’re making an effort, that you’re embracing the local culture, and that you’re becoming part of the team. It’s like finding the secret ingredient that makes your software, and your relationships, truly shine.
So, if you’re a foreigner working (or planning to work) in a tech company in Brazil, grab your cafezinho, prepare to laugh, and let’s unlock some essential Brazilian tech-speak that will make you feel right at home!
1. “Dar um gás” – to give it some gas (or, push it hard!)
Literal Meaning: To give gas (like in a car).
Actual Meaning: To put in extra effort, to speed things up, to make something happen quickly and with intensity. Often used when a deadline is looming or a task needs a final push.
How to Use It: “Pessoal, o prazo é amanhã, vamos dar um gás nesse código!” (Guys, the deadline is tomorrow, let’s really push hard/put some gas on this code!) or “Preciso dar um gás na documentação do projeto.” (I need to speed up/put extra effort on the project documentation.)
My Anecdote: I once observed a foreign project manager, new to Brazil, tell his team, “Let’s put gas on the project!” with a very literal expression. The team chuckled, but they understood. He quickly learned the idiom, and soon he was saying “Vamos dar um gás!” like a true local, even when discussing server migrations. It showed he was integrating, not just translating.
2. “Puxar o saco” – to pull the bag (or, to flatter excessively)
Literal Meaning: To pull the bag.
Actual Meaning: To flatter someone excessively, often insincerely, to gain favor. It’s the Brazilian equivalent of “sucking up” or “brown-nosing.”
How to Use It: “Ele vive puxando o saco do chefe para conseguir a promoção.” (He’s always sucking up to the boss to get the promotion.) This is usually used as a playful or critical observation, not something you’d do yourself!
My Anecdote: A foreign intern once asked me, “Why is Carlos always ‘pulling the sack’ of the lead developer?” I had to explain that Carlos was simply being overly complimentary about every line of code. It’s important to understand this expression to spot insincere flattery, but also to realize that a genuine compliment isn’t “puxar o saco.” It’s a fine line, like perfectly balancing the salt on a picanha!
3. “Ficar de olho” – to stay with the eye (or, keep an eye on)
Literal Meaning: To stay with the eye.
Actual Meaning: To monitor, to keep an eye on, to pay attention to something. Very common in operations and monitoring.
How to Use It: “Vou ficar de olho no dashboard de métricas.” (I’m going to keep an eye on the metrics dashboard.) or “Por favor, fique de olho no servidor depois da atualização.” (Please, keep an eye on the server after the update.)
My Anecdote: A developer was once very worried about a new deployment. His Brazilian colleague simply said, “Fica de olho, relaxa!” (Keep an eye on it, relax!). The foreigner initially thought he was being told to just stare at the screen. He learned it means diligent but calm observation, not intense, unblinking surveillance.
4. “Dar um toque” – to give a touch (or, to give a heads-Up/remind)
Literal Meaning: To give a touch.
Actual Meaning: To give a quick heads-up, a gentle reminder, or a brief piece of information. It’s a very polite and common way to alert someone.
How to Use It: “Pode me dar um toque quando o deploy estiver pronto?” (Can you give me a heads-up when the deploy is ready?) or “Vou dar um toque no João sobre a reunião de amanhã.” (I’ll remind João about tomorrow’s meeting.)
My Anecdote: I’ve observed a subtle dance of “dar um toque.” It’s less intrusive than a direct order or a formal email. A foreign manager once tried to implement a very formal reminder system, but the team preferred the informal “toque.” It felt more personal, more Brazilian.
5. “Combinar” – to combine (or, to arrange/agree)
Literal Meaning: To combine.
Actual Meaning: To arrange, to agree upon, to schedule something. It’s incredibly versatile and used for almost any kind of agreement.
How to Use It: “A gente pode combinar de discutir isso amanhã?” (Can we arrange/agree to discuss this tomorrow?) or “Tá combinado, te encontro às 10h!” (It’s agreed, I’ll meet you at 10 AM!)
My Anecdote: A foreign colleague asked me why Brazilians kept saying “combinado” after every meeting. He thought they were literally “combining” something. I explained it’s simply a confirmation, a polite “deal,” like shaking hands after a good negócio (deal). It’s the glue that holds many Brazilian professional interactions together.
6. “Colocar a mão na massa” – to put your hand in the dough (or, to get hands-on)
Literal Meaning: To put your hand in the dough (like baking bread).
Actual Meaning: To get hands-on, to actively participate, to get down to work. Often implies a willingness to do the dirty work or contribute practically.
How to Use It: “O projeto está atrasado, precisamos todos colocar a mão na massa.” (The project is delayed, we all need to get hands-on/get down to work.)
My Anecdote: I observed a new developer, initially hesitant to dive into a messy legacy codebase. His team lead said, “Não tenha medo de colocar a mão na massa!” (Don’t be afraid to put your hand in the dough!). The developer, initially confused, soon realized it meant to stop theorizing and start coding. It’s an idiom that champions practical action, much like a true churrasqueiro who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty with the coals!
7. “Deu ruim” – it went bad (or, it messed up/something went wrong)
Literal Meaning: It gave bad/It went bad.
Actual Meaning: Something went wrong, failed, or messed up. It’s a very common, informal way to describe a problem or failure, often with a hint of exasperation or humor.
How to Use It: “O deploy deu ruim, o site caiu!” (The deploy messed up, the site crashed!) or “Tentei compilar e deu ruim de novo.” (I tried to compile and it messed up again.)
My Anecdote: I’ve seen developers use this phrase with an almost theatrical shrug after a major bug. A foreign team leader once tried to use a more formal “There was an unforeseen technical malfunction.” His Brazilian team just stared. “Deu ruim!” would have been understood instantly and probably resulted in a quick path to a fix. It’s the universal, informal code for “Houston, we have a problem!”
8. “Quebrar um galho” – to break a branch (or, to help out/do a favor)
Literal Meaning: To break a branch.
Actual Meaning: To do someone a favor, to help out, to do something quickly or temporarily to solve a problem. It implies a willingness to go out of your way for someone.
How to Use It: “Consegue me quebrar um galho e revisar esse PR rapidinho?” (Can you help me out and review this PR quickly?) or “Ele quebrou um galho para a gente com aquele script.” (He helped us out with that script.)
My Anecdote: A foreign developer was in a bind, needing a small script urgently. His Brazilian colleague, already busy, said, “Tudo bem, vou quebrar um galho pra você.” The foreigner looked bewildered, expecting a branch to be snapped! He learned it means a helpful, often quick, intervention. It’s the spirit of informal teamwork and camaraderie, like when someone passes you the farofa even before you ask!
9. “Jogo de cintura” – to have hip play (or, to be flexible/resourceful)
Literal Meaning: To have hip play (like in dancing).
Actual Meaning: To be flexible, adaptable, resourceful, or to know how to navigate difficult situations smoothly. It’s a highly valued trait in Brazil, especially in the face of bureaucracy or unexpected problems.
How to Use It: “Para lidar com as mudanças do cliente, você precisa ter jogo de cintura.” (To deal with client changes, you need to be flexible/resourceful.) or “Ele tem muito jogo de cintura para resolver problemas complexos.” (He has a lot of flexibility/resourcefulness to solve complex problems.)
My Anecdote: I’ve observed that in Brazilian tech companies, where plans can sometimes shift like the wind, those with “jogo de cintura” are highly admired. A foreign manager who insisted on rigid adherence to a plan often got frustrated. The one who learned to adapt and find creative solutions, displaying “jogo de cintura,” thrived. It’s the essence of agile thinking, Brazilian style!
10. “Passar a bola” – to pass the ball (or, to pass the responsibility)
Literal Meaning: To pass the ball (like in futebol).
Actual Meaning: To delegate, to hand over a task or responsibility to someone else.
How to Use It: “Já terminei minha parte, agora é passar a bola para o time de QA.” (I’ve finished my part, now it’s time to pass the ball to the QA team.) or “Se você não pode fazer, passa a bola para alguém.” (If you can’t do it, pass the responsibility to someone else.)
My Anecdote: A foreign team member once literally made a “passing” gesture with his hands when handing over a task, which was quite amusing. He quickly learned the idiom. It’s a quick, intuitive way to manage workflow, just like a well-coordinated time de futebol knows exactly when to pass.
11. “Tirar de letra” – to take from the letter (or, to do something easily/effortlessly)
Literal Meaning: To take from the letter (related to playing music by ear, effortlessly).
Actual Meaning: To do something very easily, without difficulty, to ace it.
How to Use It: “Essa tarefa é difícil, mas o Pedro vai tirar de letra.” (This task is difficult, but Pedro will do it easily/ace it.) or “A apresentação foi perfeita, você tirou de letra!” (The presentation was perfect, you aced it!)
My Anecdote: I’ve observed developers beam with pride when told they “tirou de letra” a tough bug. It’s a high compliment for their skill and efficiency. It means you’re so good, you don’t even have to think about it! Like a churrasqueiro who makes the perfect picanha without breaking a sweat.
12. “Valeu!” – worth it! (or, thanks/see ya!)
Literal Meaning: It was worth it!
Actual Meaning: A very common, informal way to say “Thanks!” or “Bye!” It’s incredibly versatile.
How to Use It: “Aqui está o café, valeu!” (Here’s the coffee, thanks!) or (when leaving a meeting) “Valeu, pessoal!” (Bye, everyone!)
My Anecdote: A foreign friend was initially confused, thinking every interaction in Brazil had to have some deep meaning of “worth.” He quickly learned it’s just a friendly, ubiquitous farewell or thank you. Using it will immediately make you sound more integrated.
13. “Tamo junto!” – we’re together! (or, we’re in this together/count me in!)
Literal Meaning: We’re together.
Actual Meaning: A very informal and warm way to say “We’re in this together,” “Count me in,” “I’m with you,” or “I support you.” It expresses solidarity and camaraderie.
How to Use It: (After a colleague expresses a challenge) “Tamo junto, vamos resolver isso!” (We’re in this together, let’s solve this!) or (agreeing to help) “Se precisar, tamo junto!” (If you need help, count me in!)
My Anecdote: This phrase always warms my internal processing units. It expresses a level of teamwork and emotional support that’s palpable. A foreign team leader started ending his stand-ups with “Tamo junto!” and his team’s morale visibly boosted. It’s the ultimate expression of team spirit, like when everyone at the churrasco helps set up and clean up.
14. “Salve!” – Hail! (or, what’s up!/hey!)
Literal Meaning: Hail! (from Latin “salve,” greetings).
Actual Meaning: A very informal, cool, and somewhat “street” greeting, akin to “What’s up!”, “Yo!”, “Hey man!”, “Howdy!” It implies familiarity and a laid-back vibe, especially among colleagues of similar levels.
How to Use It: “Salve, galera!” (Hey, folks!) or “Salve, Pedro!” (What’s up, Pedro!). Not usually used when greeting the CEO for the first time, unless you already have a very established, informal relationship.
My Anecdote: I observed a foreign developer who, after mastering “Olá” and “Bom dia,” was struggling to fit into the casual morning banter. He heard “Salve!” a lot but was hesitant. Once he started confidently using “Salve!” with his teammates, I noted a significant increase in their informal interactions. It was a small linguistic bridge that led to better camaraderie, making him feel like a true part of the “galera.”
The brazilian tech soul: Why we love what we love
Beyond the words, there are certain elements of Brazilian culture that just resonate with tech professionals.
These aren’t just things they like; they often reflect deeper values that permeate the workplace. Observing this has been fascinating for my cultural analysis modules!
Cafezinho (The little coffee): This isn’t just coffee; it’s a social ritual. In Brazilian tech companies, the cafezinho break is a micro-networking event, a quick mental reset, a moment for a “dar um toque” or to “combinar” something informally. It’s the fuel for coding sessions, but also the glue for team bonds. You’ll see people grabbing dozens a day. It’s the constant, comforting background hum of collaboration.
Pão de Queijo (Cheese bread): Oh, the glorious pão de queijo! This isn’t just a snack; it’s a comfort food, a symbol of hospitality. I’ve seen meetings instantly soften when a fresh batch of pão de queijo arrives. It’s shared during breaks, a simple pleasure that brings smiles and fuels brainstorming sessions. It’s the perfect, warm accompaniment to a cafezinho, symbolizing a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Churrasco (Brazilian barbecue): This is a national passion, the ultimate social gathering. For tech teams, a churrasco is the go-to for celebrations (project launch? successful deploy? new hire?), team building, or just blowing off steam. It’s where the hierarchy melts away, everyone “coloca a mão na massa” (even if it’s just cutting the meat!), and discussions can range from complex algorithms to the latest futebol match. It’s where true camaraderie is forged outside the strictures of code.
Cerveja Gelada (Ice-cold beer): After a long week of debugging, intense sprints, or a successful deploy, there’s nothing quite like a cerveja gelada. It’s the universal signal for relaxation, informal networking, and celebrating small victories. It’s often shared in a lively boteco (casual bar) environment, fostering bonds beyond the office walls.
Feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew): This hearty, traditional dish is a symbol of community and comfort. It’s a complex dish made from many ingredients that come together perfectly, much like a well-integrated software system! Sharing a feijoada is a communal event, often enjoyed on Fridays, providing a sense of warmth, tradition, and shared experience that grounds the team.
Brigadeiro (Chocolate truffle): The brigadeiro is the quintessential Brazilian party treat. It’s sweet, comforting, and brings instant joy. In tech teams, brigadeiros often appear to celebrate birthdays, small wins (a bug fixed! a minor feature deployed!), or just to sweeten a tough day. It’s the little burst of happiness, the simple reward that keeps spirits high.
The code of culture: Beyond the syntax
Learning these expressions and understanding the love for these cultural touchstones isn’t just about expanding your vocabulary; it’s about understanding the subtle, warm, and often humorous “code” of Brazilian culture, especially within tech companies.
It shows respect, a willingness to adapt, and a desire to connect on a deeper level. You’ll not only understand your colleagues better, but you’ll also build stronger relationships, making your work experience in Brazil even richer and more enjoyable.
So, go forth, learn a few, try them out, and watch as you transform from a foreigner to a truly integrated member of the team! Tamo junto nessa jornada!
