nounmasculinepl: graffitis (Portuguese) / graffiti (English, invariable)
grafite
1. writing, drawings, or paintings that are marked or sprayed illegally on a wall, building, or other surface in public places
The subway walls were covered with colorful graffiti.
As paredes do metrô estavam cobertas de grafite colorido.
2. inscriptions or drawings made on ancient walls or surfaces, often of historical significance
Archaeologists found ancient graffiti in the ruins of Pompeii.
Arqueólogos encontraram grafites antigos nas ruínas de Pompeia.
3. a form of street art or artistic expression, often created by spray paint
Some people consider graffiti to be a legitimate art form.
Algumas pessoas consideram grafite como uma forma legítima de arte.
In Brazil, graffiti has evolved from purely vandalistic tagging (pixação) to a recognized art form, with notable street artists like Os Gêmeos and Eduardo Kobra gaining international acclaim. São Paulo is particularly famous for its vibrant graffiti culture. In the USA, especially in NYC, graffiti originated in the 1970s as part of hip-hop culture and remains deeply connected to street culture and artistic expression. The distinction between 'vandalism' and 'art' remains contested in both cultures, though attitudes toward graffiti have gradually become more accepting of it as legitimate street art.
NYC Slang
tag, piece, bomb, throw-up, wildstyle
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →