parafuso (noun); aparafusar (verb)
1. A metal fastener with a helical ridge, used to hold objects together
I need a screwdriver to tighten this screw.
Preciso de uma chave de fenda para apertar este parafuso.
2. A propeller, especially on a ship or aircraft
The ship's screw was damaged in the collision.
A hélice do navio foi danificada na colisão.
3. To fasten or tighten with a screw
Screw the bolt firmly into place.
Aparafuse o parafuso firmemente no lugar.
4. To twist or turn something
Screw the lid onto the jar.
Aparafuse a tampa no frasco.
5. (Vulgar slang) To have sexual relations with someone
This term is considered crude in formal settings.
Este termo é considerado grosseiro em ambientes formais.
6. (Informal) To treat unfairly or cheat someone
They screwed me out of my bonus.
Eles me enganaram tirar meu bônus.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'parafuso' is the standard technical term. The vulgar meaning is understood but typically avoided in formal conversation. In American English, 'screw' as a verb is commonly used informally to mean 'to cheat' or 'to mess up,' making it very prevalent in casual speech and pop culture.
NYC Slang
screw (meaning to cheat or mess with someone) - common in NYC colloquial speech as 'you screwed me'
Related Idioms & Phrases
screw up - to make a mistake or mess something up
have a screw loose - to be mentally unstable or eccentric
put the screws to someone - to apply pressure or threaten someone
screw around - to waste time or behave irresponsibly
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