untaught method

[/ʌnˈtɔːt ˈmeθəd/]
noun phrasepl: untaught methods
método não ensinado; método intuitivo
1. A technique or approach to solving problems or performing tasks that is developed through natural instinct, experience, or experimentation rather than through formal instruction or training.
His untaught method of painting, though unconventional, produced remarkable results that impressed art critics.
Seu método não ensinado de pintura, embora pouco convencional, produziu resultados notáveis que impressionaram críticos de arte.
2. A procedure or system that lacks formal training, standardization, or academic foundation.
The carpenter relied on an untaught method passed down through generations rather than formal apprenticeship.
O carpinteiro confiava em um método não ensinado transmitido através de gerações, em vez de aprendizado formal.
This term reflects both American and Brazilian appreciation for practical, self-made expertise and innovation. In Brazil, it often connects to the concept of 'jogo de cintura' (adaptability) and resourcefulness. In the USA, it relates to the 'bootstrap' mentality and entrepreneurial spirit. The phrase acknowledges legitimate knowledge gained outside formal education systems.
NYC Slang
off-the-cuff method; fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach
Synonyms / Sinônimos
intuitive methodself-taught approachinformal techniqueempirical methodtrial-and-error approach
Antonyms / Antônimos
formal methodtaught techniquestandardized procedureacademic approachinstructed method

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
método não ensinado; método intuitivo
Most common usage in standard Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
jeito não ensinado; método de gambiarras
Often uses 'jeito' (way/knack) and references 'gambiarra' (improvisation)
São Paulo
técnica autodidata; método empírico
More formal usage, emphasizing self-taught or empirical nature
Portugal
método não ensinado; técnica informal
Similar to Brazilian usage but with slightly more formal register

Related Words

intuitionself-taughtempiricalimprovisationinstinctivenatural talentfolk knowledge

Related Idioms & Phrases

learn by doing
trial and error
figure it out as you go
pick it up on the job
street smart approach
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →