improper words

[ɪmˈprɑːpər wɜːrdz]
nounpl: improper words
palavras impróprias
1. Words that are considered rude, offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate for formal or polite conversation
The teacher warned the students not to use improper words in the classroom.
A professora advertiu os alunos para não usarem palavras impróprias na sala de aula.
2. Language that violates social norms or standards of decorum
He apologized for the improper words he had spoken in anger.
Ele pediu desculpas pelas palavras impróprias que havia dito em raiva.
3. Profanity, curse words, or swear words
The movie contained improper words that made it unsuitable for children.
O filme continha palavras impróprias que o tornava inadequado para crianças.
In both Brazilian and American cultures, the use of improper words is generally discouraged in formal settings, educational environments, and professional contexts. However, casual use of mild profanity is increasingly tolerated in informal settings among peers. Brazilian Portuguese has its own distinct set of culturally-specific vulgarities that may differ from English equivalents, and their severity is context-dependent. In media, improper words are often censored or bleeped on broadcast television in both countries.
NYC Slang
bad words, nasty language, potty mouth (when describing a person)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
vulgar wordsoffensive languageprofanityswear wordscurse wordscrude languagefoul languageobscene words
Antonyms / Antônimos
proper wordsappropriate languagepolite speechrefined languageformal language

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
palavras impróprias
Standard term used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
palavras inapropriadas / gírias pesadas
Often used with emphasis; colloquial alternatives common
São Paulo
palavras impróprias / linguagem inadequada
More formal usage in urban professional contexts
Portugal
palavras impróprias / linguagem imprópria
Similar usage; may use 'palavrões' as a more colloquial alternative

Related Words

profanityvulgarityobscenityslurinsultexpletivetaboo languagecensorship

Related Idioms & Phrases

watch your language
mind your words
clean up your act
language, please
not fit for polite company
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