be aggressive

[bi əˈɡresɪv]
verb phrase
ser agressivo/agressiva
1. to act in a hostile, violent, or confrontational manner
Don't be aggressive with the customer service representative.
Não seja agressivo com o representante do atendimento ao cliente.
2. to pursue objectives forcefully and with determination
The team decided to be aggressive in their marketing campaign.
O time decidiu ser agressivo em sua campanha de marketing.
3. to display assertive or bold behavior in social or competitive situations
She tends to be aggressive when negotiating deals.
Ela tende a ser agressiva ao negociar acordos.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, 'be aggressive' carries different connotations depending on context. In competitive business or sports environments, it's often viewed positively, signaling confidence and determination. In interpersonal relationships or customer service, it's generally considered negative. Brazilian Portuguese speakers may use 'ser bravo' as a regional colloquial alternative, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, which has similar aggressive/assertive meanings but with a slightly different cultural tone.
NYC Slang
get in someone's face, come at someone hard, go hard, flex on someone
Synonyms / Sinônimos
be hostilebe confrontationalbe assertivebe forcefulbe combativebe belligerent
Antonyms / Antônimos
be passivebe gentlebe meekbe submissivebe peacefulbe docile

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser agressivo/agressiva
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ser bravo/brava or ser agressivo/agressiva
Common colloquial alternative using 'bravo'
São Paulo
ser agressivo/agressiva
Standard formal usage in business contexts
Portugal
ser agressivo/agressiva
Same as Brazilian Portuguese with identical usage patterns

Related Words

aggressionaggressiveaggressivelyaggressorassertiveness

Related Idioms & Phrases

bite someone's head off
come out swinging
take the gloves off
go for the jugular
no holds barred
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