Recognized as the sibling language of Spanish in South America, Portuguese is a romance language spoken by over 230M people.

While the language originates from Portugal, the majority of Portuguese speakers are from Brazil. That's why most of the Portuguese swear words that you'll see today will naturally be in Brazilian Portuguese. Not to worry, many of these overlap. Just like certain English swear words are the same in the United Kingdom as it is in the USA, the same goes for Portuguese.

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Why learn Portuguese Swear Words?

Beyond the most common answer: 'because it's hilarious', learning some profanity or slang in any language is useful. While we don't recommend saying it to others on a regular basis, there are clear benefits to learning how to swear.

For one, it will help you feel more comfortable with the language if you already swear in your native language. Let's face it, most of us do or have the ability to. If you want Portuguese to be a language you can speak confidently, instead of just a foreign language, you need to learn everything about the language.

The other important reason is that you'll be more relatable with locals. But only when you know how to swear properly. There is something about using swear words that make you seem like one of the locals. Perhaps it's because we normally swear jokingly around close friends (or family members.

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15 Portuguese Swear Words To Say When You're Pissed

Alright, now let's get to it. Here are the top Portuguese swear words that you can use with friends, family members, or just when you're pissed.
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1. Badalhoco(a)

Meaning: Dirty

Dirty could mean a lot of things but none of them are meant to be a compliment, even in English.
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2. Merda

Meaning: Shit

A stress relieving way to express your emotions when something goes wrong or catches you by surprise. For example, when you stump your toe in your dining chair.
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3. Vaca

Meaning: Cow

Not much to explain here as the visualization of a cow alone will explain what you're trying to say.
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4. Porra

Meaning: Shit (softer than merda)

Porra is a milder way of saying shit than merda. You can choose which one you'd like to use, but the meaning is the same either way.
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5. Corno

Meaning: Fool

We all have that one friend or co-worker that just can't seem to get it together. Often times, without much effort! That's when you can say 'corno!'
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6. Vai tomar no cu!

Meaning: Up yours!

A perfect way to express yourself when that angry driver cuts you off in the highway!
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7. Puta merda

Meaning: Holy sh*t

If 'merda' doesn't cut it on how you feel, then add a 'puta' in front and now you'll get someone's attention.
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8. Desenmerda-te

Meaning: Unshit yourself

Portuguese speakers certainly have a visual way to express themselves when they're pissed. We won't go into the details of what it would look like for someone to 'unshit' themselves, but maybe one of your friends will!
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9. Nem fodendo

Meaning: No f*cking way

Another way of saying holy sh*t.
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10. Filho da mãe

Meaning: Son of a mother

In English, we normally say 'son of a b*tch' so while there's some similarities, Portuguese speakers have this fixation on using family members or religious members as a deeper insult.
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11. Que porra é essa?

Meaning: What the f*ck?

A stronger way of saying 'what the hell'
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12. Puta

Meaning: B*tch

Oof, make sure you don't say this to anyone that you don't know.
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13. Monte de merda

Meaning: Piece of sh*t
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14. Deixa-te de merdas

Meaning: Let yourself of shits

Another way of saying 'stop the bullshit' when someone is carrying on about a story that's simply not true.
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15. Arrombado

Meaning: Sucker

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How to use these Portuguese swear words

The key to properly using these swear words is first understanding when to use it. To avoid the risk of ruining relationships or causing anger towards someone, make sure you ask a friend or your Portuguese tutor for advice. Practice using them in a safe setting with people that you already know, and remind them that you're only practicing.

In addition, watch some movies in Portuguese or find subtitles that will likely involve some swearing. Boy, are we a good influence!