informal rules
[ɪnˈfɔːrməl ˈruːlz]
nounpl: informal rules
regras informais
1. Unwritten or unofficial guidelines and norms that govern behavior in a social group, organization, or community, enforced through social pressure rather than formal authority
The office has many informal rules, like not speaking during the boss's phone calls.
O escritório tem muitas regras informais, como não falar durante as chamadas do chefe.
2. Customary practices or conventions that are understood and followed by members of a group without being explicitly stated
There are informal rules about who sits where at the family dinner table.
Existem regras informais sobre quem se senta onde na mesa de jantar da família.
3. Social expectations and behavioral standards that are maintained through group consensus rather than written policy
The team follows informal rules about helping each other out during busy periods.
O time segue regras informais sobre se ajudarem durante períodos ocupados.
In both Brazilian and American cultures, informal rules play a significant role in daily interactions, particularly in workplace and family settings. In Brazil, understanding 'regras informais' is often essential due to the more hierarchical and relationship-based social structure. Americans often refer to 'unwritten rules' or 'the way things work around here' to describe the same concept. Violating informal rules can lead to social ostracism or workplace tension, even when no formal policy has been broken.
NYC Slang
the unspoken / street rules
Related Idioms & Phrases
reading between the lines
understanding the lay of the land
playing by the rules (informal)
knowing the score
getting the hang of things
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