boomerang effect
[/ˈbuːməræŋ ɪˈfɛkt/]
nounpl: boomerang effects
efeito bumerangue
1. A negative consequence or outcome that returns to harm the person or entity that initiated an action, similar to a boomerang returning to its thrower
The company's aggressive marketing campaign had a boomerang effect, causing customers to boycott their products.
A campanha agressiva de marketing da empresa teve um efeito bumerangue, fazendo com que os clientes boicotassem seus produtos.
2. In psychology and communication, a persuasion attempt that backfires and strengthens the opposite position
The politician's attack on his opponent produced a boomerang effect, actually increasing the opponent's popularity.
O ataque do político ao seu oponente produziu um efeito bumerangue, aumentando na verdade a popularidade do oponente.
3. An unintended consequence where an action creates a result opposite to what was intended
Raising prices to increase profits backfired as a boomerang effect, leading to decreased sales.
Aumentar os preços para aumentar os lucros teve um efeito bumerangue, levando à diminuição das vendas.
The term 'boomerang effect' is widely used in both American and Brazilian business, politics, and psychology contexts to describe situations where an action produces the opposite of its intended result. In Brazil, it's particularly common in discussions about marketing campaigns, political strategies, and social media controversies. The expression has become increasingly popular in digital age discussions about how messages can spread uncontrollably with negative consequences.
NYC Slang
it blew up in their face / it backfired big time
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →