ser frágil; ser fraco; ser inconsistente
1. to lack strength, substance, or durability; to be insubstantial or poorly constructed
The argument was flimsy and easily refuted by the prosecutor.
O argumento era fraco e foi facilmente refutado pelo promotor.
2. to be unconvincing or lacking credibility
His excuse for being late was flimsy at best.
Sua desculpa por chegar atrasado era no máximo fraca.
3. to be thin, light, or insubstantial in construction
The tent was flimsy and could not withstand strong winds.
A barraca era frágil e não conseguia suportar ventos fortes.
In both Brazilian and American English, 'flimsy' is commonly used to criticize arguments, excuses, and physical construction. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'fraco' (weak) is the most idiomatic equivalent, while 'frágil' emphasizes fragility. The term reflects a cultural value placed on substance, durability, and credibility in discourse.
NYC Slang
be weak sauce; be bogus; be trash
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