gun

[/ɡʌn/]
nounfemininepl: guns
arma de fogo
1. A weapon that fires projectiles, typically bullets, by means of an explosive charge
He carried a gun in his holster.
Ele carregava uma arma de fogo no coldre.
2. A tool or device that works by spraying or projecting something
Use a spray gun to paint the wall.
Use uma pistola de pulverização para pintar a parede.
3. A cannon or other large firearm mounted on a ship or fortress
The ship's guns were pointed at the enemy.
Os canhões do navio apontavam para o inimigo.
4. In informal speech, a person who is skilled or excellent at something
He's a real gun at tennis.
Ele é muito bom em tênis.
In the USA, 'gun' is deeply tied to constitutional rights (Second Amendment) and is a culturally divisive topic. In Brazil, firearms are more heavily regulated and restricted to authorized personnel and licensed civilians, making the term 'arma de fogo' more formal and less colloquially used in everyday conversation. The word carries different cultural weight in each country.
NYC Slang
strap, piece, gat, heat, tool, banger
Synonyms / Sinônimos
firearmweaponpistolriflerevolvercannon

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
arma de fogo
Most common formal term
Informal Brazilian Portuguese
revólver
Often used for handguns specifically
Rio de Janeiro/São Paulo Slang
parabelo
Slang term in criminal contexts
Portugal
arma de fogo
Same formal term as Brazil

Related Words

ammunitiontriggerbarrelgunshotgunfireholstershootergunman

Related Idioms & Phrases

jump the gun (sair na frente, começar cedo demais)
stick to one's guns (manter-se firme em suas convicções)
under the gun (sob pressão)
sons of guns (sujeitos, camaradas)
go great guns (ter muito sucesso)
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