demanding behavior

[/dɪˈmændɪŋ bɪˈheɪvjər/]
noun phrasepl: demanding behaviors
comportamento exigente
1. Actions or conduct that require a lot of attention, effort, or resources; behavior that is insistent on having needs met immediately
The child's demanding behavior was exhausting for the parents.
O comportamento exigente da criança era exaustivo para os pais.
2. Conduct characterized by making persistent or unreasonable requests or expectations
Her demanding behavior at work made her difficult to collaborate with.
Seu comportamento exigente no trabalho a tornava difícil de trabalhar.
3. In psychology, behavior exhibited by individuals seeking to fulfill needs or assert control
The therapist addressed the child's demanding behavior through positive reinforcement.
A terapeuta abordou o comportamento exigente da criança através de reforço positivo.
In Brazilian culture, 'comportamento exigente' is frequently discussed in parenting contexts, where it's often attributed to overindulgence or lack of boundaries. In the USA, this phrase is common in educational and psychological settings when discussing behavioral management. The term reflects growing concern about entitlement and boundary-setting in both cultures.
NYC Slang
high-maintenance behavior; diva behavior (when gender-stereotyped)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
assertive behaviorinsistent behaviordifficult behaviorcontrolling behaviorattention-seeking behavior
Antonyms / Antônimos
compliant behaviorsubmissive behavioraccommodating behaviorflexible behavioreasygoing behavior

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
comportamento exigente
Most common and widely understood term across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
comportamento exigente; mimado
Often combined with 'mimado' (spoiled) to emphasize petulance
São Paulo
comportamento exigente
Standard usage, sometimes 'comportamento difícil' (difficult behavior)
Portugal
comportamento exigente; atitude de exigência
Portuguese often uses 'atitude de exigência' emphasizing the attitudinal component

Related Words

defiant behavioroppositional behaviorbehavioral issuesdisciplinebehavioral modificationattention-seeking

Related Idioms & Phrases

too much to handle
a handful
hard to please
a pain to deal with
wants it all
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →