dig through unsystematically

[/dɪɡ θruː ˌʌnsɪstəˈmætɪkli/]
verb phrase
mexer/remexer desordenadamente
1. to search or rummage through something in a disorganized or haphazard manner without following a systematic approach
She dug through unsystematically through the old boxes in the attic looking for photos.
Ela mexeu desordenadamente nas caixas antigas no sótão procurando fotos.
2. to move things around carelessly while searching for something specific
He dug through unsystematically through his drawer and made a mess everywhere.
Ele remexeu desordenadamente em sua gaveta e fez uma bagunça por tudo.
This phrase reflects the common human behavior of searching frantically for lost items, often seen in both Brazilian and American contexts. In Brazil, the action is frequently accompanied by expressions of frustration like 'Que bagunça!' (What a mess!) when items are scattered during the search.
NYC Slang
dig around / root around carelessly
Synonyms / Sinônimos
rummage throughrifle throughpoke around inforage throughsearch haphazardly
Antonyms / Antônimos
search methodicallyorganize carefullyarrange systematicallysort orderly

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mexer desordenadamente / remexer
most common and widely understood translation
Rio de Janeiro
cutucar / furçar
colloquial usage for rummaging through things
São Paulo
mexer bagunçado / revirar
emphasizes the disorganized nature of the search
Portugal
mexer de forma desorganizada / vasculhar
Portuguese equivalent with same meaning

Related Words

rummagesearchexploreforagedisorganizedhaphazard

Related Idioms & Phrases

turn something upside down looking for something
make a mess while searching
search like a madman/woman
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →