feral

[/ˈfɛrəl/ or /ˈfɪrəl/]
adjective
selvagem, feroz, selvático
1. wild, untamed; having reverted to a wild state from domestication
The feral cat hissed at the visitor.
O gato selvagem sibilou para o visitante.
2. resembling or suggestive of a wild animal; brutal or violent in nature
He had a feral look in his eyes.
Ele tinha um olhar feroz nos olhos.
3. existing in a wild or natural state; not cultivated or domesticated
Feral pigs have become a problem in rural areas.
Porcos selvagens se tornaram um problema em áreas rurais.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'feral' is commonly used to describe urban wildlife problems, particularly feral cats and dogs in cities. In Brazilian Portuguese, it's frequently applied to animals that have escaped domestication. The term can also be used metaphorically in both cultures to describe human behavior that is considered wild, untamed, or primitive.
NYC Slang
wild, untamed (can be used colloquially in NYC to describe someone acting uncontrollably or aggressively)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
wilduntamedsavagebestialferocious
Antonyms / Antônimos
tamedomesticatedcivilizedgentledocile

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
selvagem, feroz
most common usage for animals that have reverted to wild state
Rio de Janeiro
selvático, bravio
alternative terms sometimes used for wild or fierce qualities
São Paulo
selvagem, indomável
emphasis on untamed or uncontrollable nature
Portugal
selvagem, feroz, bravo
similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese with slight preference for 'bravo'

Related Words

ferocitywildernesswilduntamedferal cat

Related Idioms & Phrases

feral child - a child raised without human contact or civilization
go feral - to behave in an uncontrolled, wild manner
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