flowery language

[ˈflaʊəri ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ]
noun
linguagem florida
1. Ornate, elaborate, or decorative language characterized by excessive use of metaphors, adjectives, and poetic expressions
The politician used flowery language to avoid giving direct answers to the difficult questions.
O político usou linguagem florida para evitar dar respostas diretas às perguntas difíceis.
2. Speech or writing that is overly embellished, romantic, or grandiloquent
Her love letters were full of flowery language and romantic sentiments.
Suas cartas de amor eram cheias de linguagem florida e sentimentos românticos.
In Brazilian culture, flowery language is often appreciated in literature, poetry, and romantic contexts, but criticized in business and political discourse where directness is valued. The phrase reflects a cultural tension between Brazil's appreciation for expressive communication and the modern preference for clarity and objectivity.
NYC Slang
all hat, no cattle
Synonyms / Sinônimos
ornate languagepurple prosebombastic speechgrandiose expressioneloquent languageelaborate diction
Antonyms / Antônimos
plain languagedirect speechblunt expressionstraightforward talksimple language

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
linguagem florida
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
linguagem florida / discurso pomposo
Often used in business and political contexts to critique excessive speech
Rio de Janeiro
linguagem florida / fala rebuscada
Used both affectionately and critically depending on context
Portugal
linguagem florida / linguagem rebuscada
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese with slight preference for 'rebuscada'

Related Words

eloquenceverbosityornamentationmetaphorpoeticrhetoric

Related Idioms & Phrases

beating around the bush
talking in circles
using big words
gilding the lily
painting with words
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