refined persons

[rɪˈfaɪnd ˈpɜrsənz]
noun phrasepl: refined persons
pessoas refinadas
1. individuals who display elegant manners, cultured taste, and sophisticated behavior; people of good breeding and polished deportment
The refined persons at the gala demonstrated impeccable etiquette and sophisticated conversation.
As pessoas refinadas no gala demonstraram etiqueta impecável e conversação sofisticada.
2. people who have undergone a process of improvement in taste, manners, and sensibilities through education or social conditioning
Only refined persons would appreciate the subtleties of classical music.
Apenas pessoas refinadas apreciariam as sutilezas da música clássica.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'refined persons' traditionally refers to members of the upper social classes or highly educated individuals. In contemporary usage, it can carry connotations of elitism or snobbery, though it may also be used genuinely to describe those with genuine cultural sophistication and good manners. Brazilian Portuguese society places particular emphasis on 'jogo de cintura' (adaptability) and social grace, making refinement a valued social attribute.
NYC Slang
classy folks, highbrow types, fancy people
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cultured personssophisticated personsgenteel personselegant personscultivated individualswell-mannered people
Antonyms / Antônimos
uncouth personscrude personsrude personscoarse personsvulgar persons

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pessoas refinadas
Standard term used throughout Brazil for cultured, well-mannered individuals
Rio de Janeiro
pessoas requintadas
More emphatic variant emphasizing sophistication and high style
São Paulo
pessoas sofisticadas
Common business and social context usage
Portugal
pessoas refinadas
Identical to Brazilian usage; also 'pessoas cultas' or 'pessoas elegantes'

Related Words

refinementsophisticationelegancecivilitycultureproprietydecorum

Related Idioms & Phrases

people of distinction
individuals of quality
persons of taste
cultured elite
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