uncommon phrase

[/ʌnˈkɒmən freɪz/]
nounpl: uncommon phrases
frase incomum
1. An expression or sequence of words that is rarely used or encountered in everyday language; a locution that stands out due to its unusual nature, archaic quality, or specialized context
His use of the uncommon phrase 'befuddle one's sensibilities' made the audience chuckle.
O uso da frase incomum 'confundir as sensibilidades de alguém' fez a plateia rir.
2. A collocation or expression that deviates from standard or conventional usage patterns
The author's uncommon phrase 'to dance with shadows' created a poetic atmosphere.
A frase incomum do autor 'dançar com sombras' criou uma atmosfera poética.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, uncommon phrases are often associated with literary or academic writing, poetry, and intellectual discourse. In Brazil, such phrases may also reflect regional Portuguese influences or indigenous Tupi-Guarani linguistic heritage. In the USA, uncommon phrases often appear in formal settings, vintage literature, or as markers of educational status.
NYC Slang
wild phrase / off-the-wall expression
Synonyms / Sinônimos
rare expressionunusual locutionuncommon expressionpeculiar phraseidiosyncratic phrase
Antonyms / Antônimos
common phraseordinary expressionstandard locutioneveryday phrase

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
frase incomum
Standard usage across all Brazilian Portuguese-speaking regions
Rio de Janeiro
expressão rara
Alternative colloquial preference in Rio de Janeiro
São Paulo
frase pouco comum
More formal variant preferred in São Paulo business contexts
Portugal
expressão invulgar
European Portuguese preference, using 'invulgar' instead of 'incomum'

Related Words

phraseologyidiomatic expressioncolloquialismarchaic languageneologismjargon

Related Idioms & Phrases

speak in tongues
use flowery language
find the right words
coin a phrase
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →