cooler

[/ˈkuːlər/]
nounmasculinepl: coolers
caixa térmica, bolsa térmica
1. A portable insulated container used to keep food and drinks cold
We packed a cooler with ice and drinks for the beach trip.
Embalamos uma caixa térmica com gelo e bebidas para o passeio à praia.
2. A device or appliance that cools something, such as a water cooler or air cooler
The office has a water cooler on every floor.
O escritório tem um bebedouro em cada andar.
3. A cold beverage or drink, typically served at social gatherings
They served a tropical cooler at the party.
Serviram uma bebida refrescante tropical na festa.
4. Something or someone that is cool or impressive (informal/slang)
That new car is a real cooler.
Aquele carro novo é bem legal.
In Brazil, coolers are essential for outdoor activities, beach trips, and social gatherings due to the warm climate. The term 'caixa térmica' is universally understood, while 'bolsa térmica' is preferred for smaller, more portable versions. In the USA, coolers are iconic for picnics, tailgating parties, and camping. The 'water cooler' has become a cultural metaphor for workplace casual conversation and gossip.
NYC Slang
cooler - used in NYC to refer to both the physical container and figuratively as 'cool' or 'impressive'; common at tailgates and outdoor events
Synonyms / Sinônimos
insulated containerice chestcooler boxthermal bagchiller
Antonyms / Antônimos
warmerheater

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
caixa térmica
Most common term for portable cooler containers
General Brazilian Portuguese
bolsa térmica
Used for smaller, portable thermal bags
Rio de Janeiro
isopor
Colloquial term derived from brand name, commonly used for styrofoam coolers
São Paulo
caixa térmica
Standard usage, same as general Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
caixa de gelo
Portuguese European term; literally 'ice box'
Portugal
bolsa térmica
Alternative Portuguese term for thermal bags

Related Words

icethermalinsulatedrefrigeratechillbeverage

Related Idioms & Phrases

water cooler conversation - casual workplace chat (origem: conversas informais perto do bebedouro)
the cooler - slang for jail or prison (gíria para cadeia)
that's cool/cooler - expression of approval (isso é legal)
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