show stiffness

[ʃoʊ ˈstɪfnəs]
verb phrase
demonstrar rigidez; exibir formalidade; mostrar enrijecimento
1. To display or exhibit a lack of flexibility, either physical rigidity or emotional/social coldness
The patient began to show stiffness in his joints after the injury.
O paciente começou a demonstrar rigidez nas articulações após a lesão.
2. To manifest formality, awkwardness, or reserve in behavior or manner
She began to show stiffness when meeting strangers.
Ela começou a exibir formalidade ao conhecer estranhos.
3. To display physical tension or muscular rigidity
The athlete showed stiffness before the warm-up exercises.
O atleta mostrou enrijecimento antes dos exercícios de aquecimento.
In Brazilian Portuguese medical contexts, 'demonstrar rigidez' is frequently used in clinical settings. In social contexts, 'exibir formalidade' conveys emotional reserve. The phrase is used across both American and Brazilian English similarly, particularly in physical therapy, medicine, and social interactions.
NYC Slang
getting tight; being stiff
Synonyms / Sinônimos
display rigidityexhibit tensionmanifest formalityappear tenseseem rigid
Antonyms / Antônimos
show flexibilitydisplay easeexhibit warmthdemonstrate relaxationappear loose

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
demonstrar rigidez; exibir formalidade
Most common and standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
mostrar enrijecimento; ficar travado
More colloquial, informal usage
São Paulo
apresentar rigidez; exibir tensão
More formal and professional contexts
Portugal
exibir rigidez; mostrar endurecimento
Portuguese European variation with slightly different emphasis

Related Words

stiffnessrigidinflexibleformaltensiontightnessmuscular tension

Related Idioms & Phrases

show stiffness in the neck
show stiffness around the joints
show stiffness in one's manner
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