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cafuné

[ka.fu.ˈnɛ]
nounmasculinepl: cafunés
gentle scratching or massaging of the scalp with fingertips
1. A tender, affectionate gesture of running one's fingers gently through someone's hair or scratching their scalp softly, typically as a sign of affection or comfort
She gave him a cafuné while they watched the sunset together.
Ela fez um cafuné nele enquanto assistiam o pôr do sol juntos.
2. An intimate, soothing touch that conveys care and tenderness, common in Brazilian culture
The mother's cafuné helped calm the crying baby.
O cafuné da mãe ajudou a acalmar o bebê chorando.
Synonyms
carinhoacaríciomassagem no couro cabeludo

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
cafuné
widely used and understood across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
cafuné
common affectionate gesture in carioca culture
São Paulo
cafuné
accepted but less frequently used than in other regions
Portugal
cafuné
less common; Portuguese speakers may use 'acarício' instead

Related Idioms & Phrases

fazer um cafuné em alguém - to give someone a gentle scalp massage
cafuné de mãe - motherly affection and tenderness
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