be belligerent

[/bi bəˈlɪdʒərənt/]
verb phrase
ser beligerante; estar beligerante; ser agressivo
1. to display an aggressive or hostile attitude; to behave in a warlike or combative manner
He began to be belligerent after drinking too much alcohol.
Ele começou a ficar agressivo depois de beber muito álcool.
2. to engage in or show readiness for warfare or conflict
The two nations refused to be belligerent and chose diplomacy instead.
As duas nações recusaram ser beligerantes e escolheram a diplomacia.
3. to adopt a confrontational or argumentative demeanor
She didn't want to be belligerent during the negotiation.
Ela não queria ser beligerante durante a negociação.
In Brazilian culture, being belligerent is generally viewed negatively in professional and diplomatic settings, though heated discussion and passionate debate are valued in social contexts. In the USA, the term is often used to describe international political stances or individual aggressive behavior, frequently appearing in political discourse and media commentary regarding national conflicts or interpersonal disputes.
NYC Slang
acting tough; throwing around your weight; ready to throw hands
Synonyms / Sinônimos
be aggressivebe hostilebe combativebe warlikebe confrontationalact belligerently
Antonyms / Antônimos
be peacefulbe pacifistbe calmbe diplomaticbe gentle

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser beligerante; estar agressivo
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ficar agressivo; estar de briga
More colloquial, frequent in everyday speech
São Paulo
ser beligerante; adotar postura agressiva
More formal usage in business and political contexts
Portugal
ser beligerante; estar beligerante
Formal, primarily used in diplomatic or military contexts

Related Words

belligerentbelligerencebelligerentlyaggressionhostilitycombative

Related Idioms & Phrases

looking for a fight
spoiling for a confrontation
have a chip on your shoulder
itching for a battle
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