frets

[/frɛts/]
noun/verbpl: frets
trastos (noun); se preocupa, se angustia (verb)
1. (noun) The ridges on the neck of a stringed instrument like a guitar that divide it into segments to help players find the correct pitch
The guitarist's fingers moved quickly across the frets of his guitar.
Os dedos do guitarrista se moveram rapidamente pelos trastos de seu violão.
2. (verb) Third person singular present tense of 'fret'; to worry or feel anxious about something
She frets about her upcoming exam constantly.
Ela se preocupa constantemente com seu próximo exame.
3. (verb) To cause someone to become worried or anxious
His constant complaints fret the entire team.
Suas reclamações constantes angustiam toda a equipe.
4. (noun, archaic) Ornamental work made from thin strips of material arranged in a geometric pattern
The ceiling was decorated with intricate frets in gold leaf.
O teto era decorado com trastos intricados em folha de ouro.
In American musical culture, frets are fundamental to guitar playing and are extensively discussed in music education. The verb 'to fret' is commonly used in everyday American English to express worry or anxiety. In Brazil, 'trastos' is the standard musical terminology while 'se preocupa' is the everyday expression for worry.
NYC Slang
trip, stress out, or worry
Synonyms / Sinônimos
worriesanxietiesconcernsridgesornaments
Antonyms / Antônimos
relaxescalmsreassures

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trastos (noun); se preocupa, se angustia (verb)
Most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
trastos; fica nervoso/angustiado
Similar to general Brazilian usage with slightly more colloquial expression
São Paulo
trastos; se preocupa, se estressa
May use 'se estressa' for the verb form
Portugal
trastos (noun); se preocupa, se inquieta (verb)
European Portuguese uses 'se inquieta' more frequently

Related Words

fretfrettingfretfulfretboardfretlessfretsaw

Related Idioms & Phrases

to fret and fume - to worry and complain
don't fret - don't worry
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