pele

[PEH-luh]
nounfemininepl: peles
skin
1. the outer covering of a human or animal body
She has very sensitive skin.
Ela tem a pele muito sensível.
2. the hide or fur of an animal
The hunter sold animal pelts at the market.
O caçador vendeu peles de animais no mercado.
3. the outer layer or rind of a fruit or vegetable
Remove the banana peel before eating.
Remova a pele da banana antes de comer.
4. a thin film or layer that forms on a liquid surface
A skin formed on top of the pudding.
Uma pele se formou na superfície do pudim.
In Brazilian culture, 'pele' is an essential word used in everyday conversation, from discussions about skincare products to describing someone's complexion. The phrase 'pele de galinha' (literally 'goose bumps') is commonly used. Brazil's diverse population has rich discussions about skin tone and identity, making this word culturally significant in conversations about race and ethnicity (pele branca, preta, parda, etc.). The word is also iconic in Brazilian football culture, famously associated with the legendary player Pelé, whose nickname derived from a childhood mispronunciation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
dermeepidermecutiscouro

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pele
standard usage for human and animal skin
Rio de Janeiro
pele
common usage, sometimes used in diminutive 'pelinha'
São Paulo
pele
standard usage, also used in cosmetic and medical contexts
Portugal
pele
identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese; also 'película' for thin layers

Related Words

peladopelarpeluqueríadermatologiacorpo

Related Idioms & Phrases

ter pele grossa
arrepiar a pele
pele de galinha
de pele e osso
deixar a pele no jogo
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