10 Portuguese Words Millennials Invented (or Adapted)

The younger generations are constantly creating new ways to communicate, influencing and reshaping our language in the process. This evolution is natural and inevitable. Explore some of the innovative expressions coined or adapted by millennials!

The Ever-Changing Language

“Language is a living thing,” argued classical writer Gilbert Highet in his book Explorations. According to the Scottish-American author, who taught Literature at Columbia University for over two decades, “we can feel when a language is transforming.” Parts of it become “old and obsolete” and are discarded, while others grow and “multiply.”

These changes happen for various reasons—time, place, customs, population dynamics—but the internet has become a significant catalyst for how Gen Y (1981-1996, also known as millennials) and Gen Z (1997-2012) communicate.

Through messaging apps, memes, gaming, and social media, younger generations have invented new Portuguese words and redefined old ones. Here are some of the best examples of these modern linguistic creations and adaptations, many of which carry inspiration from English.

1. Berro

This word is widely used on social media to express a strong reaction, such as surprise or amusement. While its literal meaning (to scream or shout) remains, it’s now a metaphorical exclamation of excitement or disbelief. Particularly popular within the LGBTQ+ community.

Example: “Só vi agora que ganhei um aumento, berro!” (I just saw that I got a raise—berro!)

2. Biscoito

This everyday food item has taken on a whole new meaning. It’s now used to describe someone seeking attention, especially online, by posting selfies or making grand statements.

• Example 1: “O José está querendo biscoito com esses textões.” (José is looking for attention with those long posts.)

• Example 2: “João, chega de se vangloriar. Toma aqui o seu biscoito.” (João, stop bragging. Here’s your cookie.)

3. Cancela

This verb, meaning “to cancel,” now symbolizes boycotting or expressing disapproval of someone’s actions. If a public figure does something controversial, they are “canceled.”

Example: “A Maria merece ser cancelada depois daquele comentário machista.” (Maria deserves to be canceled after that sexist comment.)

4. Contatinho

The diminutive form adds charm to this word, which refers to a casual romantic contact or fling.

Example: “Você está cheio de contatinhos, né?” (You have so many flings, don’t you?)

5. E choca zero pessoas

Not a single word, but a clever expression that conveys something unsurprising or expected. It literally means “and shocks zero people.”

Example: “Gabriel chegou atrasado para o choque de zero pessoas.” (Gabriel was late, shocking absolutely no one.)

6. Flopar

Borrowed from the English “to flop,” this word means to fail or fall short of expectations. It’s even conjugated in Portuguese.

Example: “O novo álbum daquela banda flopou demais!” (That band’s new album totally flopped!)

7. Lacrar

Originally meaning “to seal” or “to close,” this word now describes someone excelling in an argument or situation. It’s particularly popular within the LGBTQ+ community.

• Positive: “Ela está lacrando demais naquele debate. Arrasou!” (She’s absolutely killing it in that debate. Amazing!)

• Negative: “Chega de lacração, por favor.” (Enough with the excessive ‘wokeness,’ please.)

8. Auge (ou negar o auge)

This word has taken on new life to express both praise and ridicule. It can highlight someone’s peak moment or mock their cluelessness.

• Example 1: “O fulano nega o auge compartilhando essas notícias falsas.” (That guy is at the height of ridiculousness sharing fake news.)

• Example 2: “Esse carro que você comprou é o auge!” (The car you bought is amazing!)

9. Shippar

Adapted from the English “to ship” (short for relationship), this term describes rooting for two people to become a couple.

Example: “Eu vou shippar esses dois! Eles merecem ficar juntos.” (I’m shipping those two! They deserve to be together.)

10. Xablau

The most phonetically unique word on this list, xablau is used to describe chaos or something bombastic. It’s widely used in memes and social media, though it can carry a sexual undertone in some contexts.

• Example 1: “Aquela festa foi um xablau.” (That party was total chaos.)

• Example 2: “Vou causar um xablau no grupo do WhatsApp da família.” (I’m going to stir up chaos in the family WhatsApp group.)

Language evolves with every generation, and millennials have made their mark on Portuguese in bold and creative ways. Which of these words do you use, and what’s your favorite?