piglet

[/ˈpɪɡlət/]
nounpl: piglets
leitão
1. A young pig, especially one that has been weaned
The farmer has a dozen piglets in the barn.
O fazendeiro tem uma dúzia de leitões no celeiro.
2. A small or young domestic pig
The children watched the piglet play in the mud.
As crianças observavam o leitão brincar na lama.
In Brazilian and Portuguese culture, 'leitão' is particularly significant in gastronomy, referring to roasted suckling pig ('leitão à Bairrada' being a famous Portuguese dish). The term is used both for the young animal on farms and in culinary contexts. In American culture, piglets are often featured in children's literature and media, such as Winnie the Pooh's Piglet character.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
young pigsuckling pigshoat
Antonyms / Antônimos
sowboarhog

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
leitão
most common term for a young pig
Rio de Janeiro
leitão
standard usage, same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
leitão
standard usage, may also hear 'filhote de porco' informally
Portugal
leitão
same term used; also refers to roasted suckling pig in gastronomy

Related Words

pigporkswinefarm animal

Related Idioms & Phrases

pig in mud (happy state, equivalent: 'porco na lama')
when pigs fly (never, equivalent: 'quando as galinhas tiverem dentes')
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