exhibit awkwardness

[/ɪɡˈzɪbɪt ˈɔːkwərdnəs/]
verb phrase
demonstrar desconforto; exibir constrangimento
1. to display or show signs of discomfort, lack of coordination, or social unease in manner, speech, or movement
He began to exhibit awkwardness when asked to speak in front of the large audience.
Ele começou a demonstrar desconforto quando pedido para falar diante da grande plateia.
2. to reveal difficulty with physical grace or dexterity in performing a task
The new dancer continued to exhibit awkwardness during the rehearsal.
A nova dançarina continuava a exibir desconforto durante o ensaio.
3. to manifest social unease or embarrassment in interpersonal interactions
She tends to exhibit awkwardness in formal social situations.
Ela tende a demonstrar constrangimento em situações sociais formais.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, exhibiting awkwardness is often viewed with sympathy in social settings, though expectations differ. Americans may emphasize 'pushing through' awkwardness, while Brazilian culture often acknowledges it with humor and warmth. The phrase is commonly used in both professional and casual contexts to describe social anxiety, physical clumsiness, or lack of confidence.
NYC Slang
look stiff; be acting mad awkward
Synonyms / Sinônimos
display discomfortshow uneasereveal clumsinessmanifest embarrassmentdemonstrate self-consciousness
Antonyms / Antônimos
display confidenceexhibit graceshow composuredemonstrate poisereveal ease

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
demonstrar desconforto; exibir constrangimento
Most common standard usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
mostrar falta de jogo de cintura
Colloquial expression emphasizing lack of smoothness or naturalness
São Paulo
exibir desconforto; mostrar constrangimento
More formal business and professional contexts
Portugal
exibir desconforto; demonstrar acanhamento
Portuguese preference for 'acanhamento' when referring to shyness-related awkwardness

Related Words

awkwardnessawkwarddiscomfortembarrassmentclumsinessuneaseself-consciousness

Related Idioms & Phrases

have two left feet
be out of one's depth
feel like a fish out of water
wear one's heart on one's sleeve
trip over one's own feet
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