informal order

[/ɪnˈfɔːrməl ˈɔːrdər/]
nounpl: informal orders
ordem informal
1. A command or instruction given in a casual, conversational manner without formal documentation or official procedure
The manager gave an informal order to finish the project by Friday.
O gerente deu uma ordem informal para terminar o projeto até sexta-feira.
2. A request or purchase made verbally or casually without written documentation or formal agreement
She placed an informal order for supplies over the phone.
Ela fez uma ordem informal de suprimentos por telefone.
3. An instruction given in a relaxed, non-hierarchical manner typical of informal settings
In a startup, decisions are often communicated through informal orders rather than official memos.
Em uma startup, as decisões são frequentemente comunicadas através de ordens informais em vez de memorandos oficiais.
In Brazil, informal orders are common in small businesses, startups, and personal transactions where hierarchies are less rigid. This contrasts with larger corporations that prefer documented procedures. In the US, informal orders are typical in casual workplace environments and are often communicated via email or messaging platforms. The concept reflects cultural differences in formality and business practices between more hierarchical and more egalitarian work environments.
NYC Slang
word or phrase (no cap, just vibes)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
casual requestverbal instructioninformal requestoff-the-record orderunofficial directive
Antonyms / Antônimos
formal orderofficial directivewritten orderdocumented instruction

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ordem informal
Standard term used in business and casual contexts
Rio de Janeiro
pedido informal
More commonly used to refer to casual requests in commerce
São Paulo
ordem informal / solicitação informal
Both terms used interchangeably in corporate settings
Portugal
ordem informal / encomenda informal
Encomenda more common for purchase orders; ordem for commands

Related Words

instructioncommandrequestdirectiveverbal agreementcasual communication

Related Idioms & Phrases

give someone the word
pass the word
say the word
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