contentious topics

[/kənˈtenʃəs ˈtɑːpɪks/]
noun phrasepl: contentious topics
tópicos contenciosos
1. subjects or issues that cause heated debate, disagreement, or argument among people due to conflicting opinions or strong feelings
Religion and politics are contentious topics that often lead to heated discussions at dinner parties.
Religião e política são tópicos contenciosos que frequentemente levam a discussões acaloradas em jantares.
2. matters that are controversial, disputed, or likely to provoke controversy
Climate change remains one of the most contentious topics in modern society.
Mudanças climáticas permanecem um dos tópicos mais contenciosos na sociedade moderna.
In Brazilian culture, contentious topics such as race, class inequality, and political ideology are increasingly discussed in public spaces, particularly on social media. In the USA, discussions of contentious topics are often framed within the context of 'free speech' and 'cancel culture,' reflecting different approaches to controversial discourse in each culture.
NYC Slang
hot button topics
Synonyms / Sinônimos
controversial topicsdisputed issuesdivisive subjectssensitive mattersinflammatory issues
Antonyms / Antônimos
uncontroversial topicsagreed-upon subjectsconsensus matters

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tópicos contenciosos
Standard formal usage across Brazil
General Brazilian
assuntos polêmicos
More common colloquial alternative in everyday speech
São Paulo
temas controversos
Frequently used in media and academic contexts
Portugal
tópicos contenciosos
Formal register; Portuguese may also use 'assuntos polémicos'

Related Words

debatecontroversydisagreementconflictdisputepolarizing

Related Idioms & Phrases

a can of worms
touch a nerve
open Pandora's box
stir the pot
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