cheap paper

[/tʃiːp ˈpeɪpər/]
nounpl: cheap papers
papel barato
1. Low-quality paper of inferior grade, typically made from recycled fibers or lower-grade wood pulp, sold at a low price
The printer jammed because we were using cheap paper.
A impressora travou porque estávamos usando papel barato.
2. Thin, flimsy paper that is easily torn or wrinkled, often used for low-cost printing or packaging
This notebook is made of cheap paper that won't last long.
Este caderno é feito de papel barato que não durará muito.
3. Newspapers or tabloids of sensationalist nature or poor journalistic quality
He didn't trust the story because it came from a cheap paper.
Ele não confiava na história porque vinha de um jornal sensacionalista.
In Brazil, 'papel barato' is commonly associated with both budget-conscious purchasing and lower-quality journalism. The term can be used literally for office supplies or figuratively to dismiss unreliable news sources. In the US, cheap paper is often a practical concern in educational and business settings, where quality affects both appearance and durability.
NYC Slang
rag paper, trash paper
Synonyms / Sinônimos
low-quality paperinferior paperflimsy papernewsprinttissue paper
Antonyms / Antônimos
premium paperhigh-quality papercardstockfine paper

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
papel barato
Standard term used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
papel de má qualidade
More formal expression emphasizing poor quality
São Paulo
papel ordinário
Common in business contexts
Portugal
papel de má qualidade
Portuguese prefers emphasis on quality rather than price

Related Words

paper qualitypaper gradeprinting paperpaper texturepulp

Related Idioms & Phrases

not worth the paper it's printed on
pulp fiction
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