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be insulting

[bi ɪnˈsʌltɪŋ]
verb phrase
ser insultuoso, ser ofensivo
1. to be disrespectful or offensive in speech or behavior; to treat someone with contempt
His comments about her appearance were insulting.
Seus comentários sobre a aparência dela foram insultuosos.
2. to cause offense or hurt someone's feelings through rude remarks or actions
It would be insulting to refuse her invitation after she worked so hard.
Seria ofensivo recusar o convite dela depois que ela trabalhou tanto.
NYC Slang
be disrespectful, be out of line
Synonyms
be offensivebe disrespectfulbe rudebe derogatorybe contemptuousoffend
Antonyms
be respectfulbe politebe courteouscomplimentpraise

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser insultuoso, ser ofensivo
common usage in formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
ser ofensivo, ser desrespeitoso
typical urban usage
Rio de Janeiro
ser ofensivo, ser desrespeitoso
common in daily speech
Portugal
ser insultuoso, ser ofensivo
formal register usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

add insult to injury
take offense at
trade insults
hurl insults
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