mulish

[/ˈmjuːlɪʃ/]
adjective
teimoso
1. Stubbornly refusing to change one's mind or course of action; obstinate like a mule
He took a mulish stance and refused to listen to any alternative suggestions.
Ele tomou uma posição teimosa e recusou-se a ouvir qualquer sugestão alternativa.
2. Displaying the characteristics of a mule; hard to manage or control
The mulish behavior of the committee made negotiations extremely difficult.
O comportamento teimoso do comitê tornou as negociações extremamente difíceis.
The term 'mulish' draws from the reputation of mules in American and Brazilian culture as notoriously stubborn animals. In both US and Brazilian contexts, the word carries a mildly derogatory connotation when describing people, suggesting an irrational refusal to be flexible. It's commonly used in business, political, and interpersonal contexts to criticize someone's unwillingness to compromise.
NYC Slang
hardheaded, stubborn as hell
Synonyms / Sinônimos
stubbornobstinateintransigentheadstrongwillfulunyielding
Antonyms / Antônimos
flexiblecompliantcooperativeyieldingreasonabletractable

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
teimoso
Most common translation; used in both formal and informal contexts
General Brazilian
cabeça-dura
More colloquial; literally 'hard-headed'
Rio de Janeiro
teimaço
Intensified form emphasizing strong stubbornness
Portugal
teimudo
Portuguese preference; similar meaning but with local usage patterns

Related Words

mulestubbornnessobstinacyintransigenceinflexible

Related Idioms & Phrases

stubborn as a mule
won't budge an inch
set in one's ways
dig in one's heels
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