FALA SP
The Insider's Guide to São Paulo Slang
Learn the words that make you sound like a local
São Paulo has its own vocabulary. Whether you're visiting for a week or moving here, knowing these words will help you navigate conversations, menus, and everyday life like a true paulistano.
The most common way to address someone in SP. "Mano" for guys, "mina" for girls. Used between friends, it's São Paulo's version of "bro" or "sis".
(Hey dude, wanna go out?)
Any outing or hangout. "Bora pro rolê" means "let's go out". Can mean anything from a walk to a night out.
(That hangout in Vila Madalena was insane!)
The go-to word for "work" in São Paulo. "Trampar" is the verb form. You'll hear it everywhere, from offices to casual conversations.
(Can't, I have work early tomorrow.)
Your 'hood, your area. Used with pride when talking about where you live. "Minha quebrada" = my neighborhood.
(In my neighborhood there's the best pastel in SP.)
Bakeries are sacred in São Paulo. There's one on every corner and they serve everything from fresh bread to full meals. "Padoca" is the affectionate name.
(Can you grab some bread from the bakery for me?)
Short for "maior" (biggest). Used as an intensifier before adjectives. "Mó legal" = really cool. One of the most São Paulo expressions you'll hear.
(This place is really cool, dude!)
A confirmation of solidarity or agreement. When someone says "é nóis", it means "we're good", "count me in", or just a way to say goodbye.
(Thanks, bro. We're good!)
The word for nightclub or a night out dancing. São Paulo is famous for its nightlife — "bora pra balada" is the Friday night anthem.
(There's a party in Vila Madalena on Friday, wanna go?)
The daily hustle. São Paulo runs on "correria" — everyone is always busy, always running somewhere. The city's unofficial motto.
(Sorry for disappearing, I've been in the hustle.)
The quintessential São Paulo breakfast: French bread sliced open, buttered, and pressed on a flat grill. Simple, cheap, and perfect with a cafézinho (small strong coffee).
(A grilled bread and a coffee with milk, please.)
A classic São Paulo expression meaning "cool" or "awesome". A bit retro but still widely used, especially by older paulistanos.
(This neighborhood is awesome to live in!)
Means "all good", "deal", or just "OK". Can be used as a greeting ("firmeza?") or as confirmation ("firmeza!").
(I'll meet you at 8 at the bakery. Deal?)
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