ser vicioso; ser maligno; ser cruel
1. to behave in a cruel, violent, or malicious manner
The dog began to be vicious after being abused.
O cachorro começou a ser vicioso depois de ser abusado.
2. to engage in or be characterized by addictive or immoral behavior
He refused to be vicious and maintained his moral principles.
Ele se recusou a ser vicioso e manteve seus princípios morais.
3. to display intense hostility or aggression
The politician's campaign began to be vicious and personal.
A campanha do político começou a ser malévola e pessoal.
The phrase 'be vicious' is used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese to describe behavior that is morally reprehensible or dangerously aggressive. In Brazilian culture, the term 'vicioso' can also refer to someone with addictive habits, particularly related to substance abuse, making it important to consider context when translating.
NYC Slang
be straight-up mean; be savage; be ruthless
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