noun, verb (gerund/present participle)
falta, bloqueio irregular, encrenca
1. In sports (especially basketball), the act of committing a foul; an infraction of the rules involving illegal physical contact with an opponent
The referee called fowling when the defender pushed the offensive player.
O árbitro marcou uma falta quando o defensor empurrou o jogador atacante.
2. The act of making something unclean or dirty; polluting or contaminating
Fowling the water supply is a serious environmental crime.
Contaminar o abastecimento de água é um crime ambiental grave.
3. In nautical contexts, the collision or tangling of ships or ropes
Fowling of the anchor lines created dangerous conditions at sea.
O enredamento das linhas de âncora criou condições perigosas no mar.
4. In biology, the accumulation of unwanted organisms or materials on a surface (such as a ship's hull)
Biofouling requires regular cleaning of the vessel's hull.
O incrustamento biológico requer limpeza regular do casco do navio.
In Brazilian sports culture, 'fowling' (falta) is a fundamental concept in basketball, football (soccer), and volleyball. The term is universally understood among sports fans. In environmental contexts, it reflects growing concern about pollution and contamination in Brazil. The nautical use is more specialized and technical, common among maritime professionals.
Related Idioms & Phrases
fowling out - being disqualified from a game due to committing too many fouls
foul play - unfair or dishonest behavior
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