vandals

[/ˈvændəlz/]
nounpl: vandals
vândalos
1. People who deliberately destroy or damage public or private property
The vandals spray-painted graffiti all over the train station.
Os vândalos picharam a estação de trem inteira.
2. Members of Germanic tribes who sacked Rome in 455 AD (historical context)
The Vandals were a Germanic people known for their destructive raids.
Os vândalos eram um povo germânico conhecido por seus ataques destrutivos.
3. People who engage in wanton or reckless destruction
A group of vandals broke the playground equipment.
Um grupo de vândalos quebrou o equipamento do parque infantil.
In Brazil, vandalism (particularly graffiti/pixação) is a significant urban issue, especially in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. While some graffiti is considered street art, vandals who deface public property are generally viewed negatively. The term 'vândalo' carries a stronger pejorative connotation in Portuguese than the English 'vandal,' often implying moral corruption or recklessness.
NYC Slang
taggers, graffiti bombers, troublemakers
Synonyms / Sinônimos
destroyershooliganstroublemakersdefacerssaboteurs
Antonyms / Antônimos
preservationistsconservatorsprotectors

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
vândalos
Standard term used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
vândalos / malandros
Sometimes combined with 'malandros' (troublemakers) in colloquial speech
São Paulo
vândalos / pixadores
Often called 'pixadores' when referring specifically to graffiti artists/vandals
Portugal
vândalos
Same term used, sometimes 'desordeiros' (disorderly people) in casual speech

Related Words

vandalismvandalizedamagegraffitidestructiondeface

Related Idioms & Phrases

act like vandals
vandalize someone's property
a wave of vandalism swept through the city
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