vareta de óleo
1. A graduated rod or stick used to measure the level of liquid, especially engine oil in a vehicle
The mechanic pulled out the dipstick to check the oil level.
O mecânico puxou a vareta de óleo para verificar o nível de óleo.
2. A foolish or stupid person (informal/derogatory slang)
Don't be such a dipstick and pay attention to the instructions.
Não seja tão burro e preste atenção nas instruções.
In American English, 'dipstick' as a slur for a foolish person became popular in the 1970s-80s, particularly in informal speech and comedy. It's considered mildly offensive but less severe than harsher slurs. In automotive contexts, checking the dipstick is a fundamental car maintenance task that every car owner should know how to do. This term is less commonly used in Brazil, where 'vareta de óleo' is the standard technical term.
NYC Slang
dipshit (more offensive variant used in NYC for the derogatory meaning)
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