casual glance

[/ˈkæʒuəl ɡlæns/]
nounpl: casual glances
olhar casual; olhada rápida; olhar desinteressado
1. A quick, superficial look at something or someone without particular attention or interest
He gave the document a casual glance before signing it.
Ele deu uma olhada casual no documento antes de assiná-lo.
2. An unplanned or nonchalant observation of something
At a casual glance, the painting seemed ordinary, but upon closer inspection, it was remarkable.
À primeira vista, o quadro parecia comum, mas ao examinar com cuidado, era notável.
3. A brief, indifferent look that suggests lack of effort or care
She threw a casual glance over her shoulder as she walked away.
Ela lançou um olhar casual sobre o ombro enquanto se afastava.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, a 'casual glance' often indicates disinterest or nonchalance, frequently used in business, academic, and social contexts to suggest that something doesn't require full attention. In Brazil, this expression is common in both formal and informal speech, reflecting the cultural tendency toward relaxed body language and demeanor.
NYC Slang
quick eyeball; once-over
Synonyms / Sinônimos
quick lookpassing glancebrief lookcursory glancefleeting glancesuperficial look
Antonyms / Antônimos
careful examinationintense gazeprolonged staredetailed inspectionscrutiny

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
olhar casual; olhada rápida
Most common and widely understood throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
olhada de lado; relance
Informal, conversational use
São Paulo
olhada rápida; olhar desinteressado
Business and formal contexts
Portugal
olhar de relance; olhada apressada
Portuguese European variant; more formal tone

Related Words

glancelookgazestarepeekglimpseobservationattention

Related Idioms & Phrases

at a glance
at first glance
take a casual glance at something
give someone a casual glance
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