chama
1. A hot glowing body of ignited gas that emits light and heat
The flame danced above the candle wick.
A chama dançava acima da vela.
2. A person with whom one has a romantic relationship, especially a past romantic interest
She reconnected with an old flame at the reunion.
Ela reencontrou um antigo amor na reunião.
3. To criticize harshly or insult someone, especially online
Don't flame other users on social media.
Não xingue outros usuários nas redes sociais.
4. To emit flames or burn brightly
The fire flamed up suddenly.
O fogo se inflamou de repente.
5. Passion, intensity, or fervor
The flame of her passion burned bright.
A chama de sua paixão queimava intensamente.
In Brazilian culture, 'chama' is widely used both literally for fire and metaphorically for passion and desire. The English slang usage of 'flame' as a verb (to insult online) has been adopted into Brazilian internet culture, often used as 'flamejar' or 'zoar'. The romantic meaning ('old flame') is also commonly understood and used in both Brazilian and American English contexts.
NYC Slang
old flame (romantic past); roast (when used as a verb to criticize)
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