nounpl: vermin (unchanged)
praga
1. Small animals or insects that are considered pests and are harmful to crops, food, or hygiene
The warehouse was infested with vermin.
O armazém estava infestado de pragas.
2. Parasites such as lice or fleas
The dog had vermin in its fur.
O cachorro tinha parasitas em sua pelagem.
3. Figuratively, a despicable or contemptible person or group of people
The criminal gang were nothing but vermin preying on the innocent.
A gangue criminosa não passava de gente desprezível explorando inocentes.
In Brazil, 'praga' is the standard agricultural and household term, while the figurative insult form is less commonly used than in English-speaking cultures. In the USA, 'vermin' carries strong moral and social contempt when applied to people, reflecting Puritan attitudes about cleanliness and morality. Portuguese distinguishes between 'praga' (agricultural pests) and 'parasita' (parasites), while the figurative usage is less idiomatic.
NYC Slang
rats (figurative use for despicable people)
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