Useful Algarve Expressions for the Holidays

Holidays in the Algarve are synonymous with enjoying the climate, the landscapes, and long hours on the beach and can also be fun while learning some Algarvian expressions. This is a fascinating way to interact with the locals and learn more about the vast Portuguese language. Are you prepared to "Dar de vaia" to the people of the Algarve?

Photo by Étienne Girardet – Unsplash

​Algarvian accent emphasises people history, cultural heritage and their way of life. The expressions are rich and fun, and there is nothing better than discovering new things in your favourite holiday destination. As in the rest of the country, the language, expressions and Algarve accent differ from standard Portuguese. In the region, you can still hear expressions with Arabic details or words related to seafarers in coastal areas such as Lagos. Discover some Algarve expressions and tell us which is the most useful or the funniest.

À babuja:

This expression is widespread in the region, especially in the coastal areas. It means to be by the sea or to be near something.

Açoteia:

This is not a common word, but all locals understand what it means. It's a rooftop terrace to dry fruits, squid, octopus or needlefish. Today, "açoteias" are primarily used to escape the summer heat that concentrates in the houses.

Alcagoita:

In summer, it goes well with "imperiais" (small beer). We are talking about peanuts, the best snack to go with drinks. In Portugal, the most common name for this fruit is "amendoim", but in the Algarve, it is called "alcagoita" because it is slightly smaller than the usual fruit. In Rogil, Aljezur, you can still find plantations of this dried fruit.

Almareado:

Getting to know the Algarve coast on an excursion boat can be one of the best holiday experiences, but it is natural for those not used to sea bumps to become "almareado" (seasick). You can use this expression on a ship as well as in any other situation on land.

Alumiar:

In the Algarve, this word means "to lighten something". It describes the act of giving light or directing light on an object or space.

Barimbar:

To better understand this word, which is common in the Algarve, we give you the following phrase: "Estou-me a barimbar para essa conversa" (I do not care about this conversation). So, when you hear someone say this expression, you already know that this person is not interested in a certain topic.

Bela-luísa:

It's a winter drink to warm up cold nights, with a very characteristic citrus flavour. If you still don't know what we're talking about, here's another clue: people use it to make tea! It's a plant with the scientific name Aloysia citrodora, also known as lemon verbena.

Bezaranha:

It could be a gale, a windstorm or a gust of wind. If you hear someone in the Algarve, say: "vem aí uma bezaranha" (there's a lot of wind coming), you'd better not go to the beach, lest you get sand on your towel.

Borra-Botas:

It could be a professional who underperforms or an unimportant person. People commonly use this expression in the Algarve, but can also hear it in the rest of the country.

Bradar:

The national expression "É de bradar aos céus" widely uses this word, and in the Algarve, we encounter it in sentences like: "Não me ouviste bradar por ti?” (Did you not hear me calling out to you?).

Bucha:

Whenever hunger comes, you know it's time for "bucha", i.e., time for lunch, a snack or another meal.

Dar de vaia:

This is a common expression in both the Algarve and the Alentejo, and when someone says "dar de vaia" to you, it means they want to greet you or say goodbye.

Escampar:

You rarely hear this expression in the Algarve in summer, but if you're on holiday at any other time of year, you might hear a local say: "À tarde escampa um pouco". In other words, it'll probably stop raining in the afternoon.

Estrafega:

This Algarve expression signifies hard work or tasks that demand effort and need to be completed in a short time.

Feijão Carito:

Like "alcagoita", we also have a special name for the cowpea. The carito bean grows in Aljezur, and is much tastier than the traditional cowpea. If you are curious, simply search for this legume that grows in the Algarve at fresh markets or restaurants.

Larga-me da mão:

If someone annoys you a lot, you can say "larga-me da mão", which means “Do not annoy me”.

Machinha e Macheia:

The Algarvians have a habit of putting words together and making them into one word, and these two words are a good example. "Macheia" comes from "mão-cheia" and means large amount. "Hoje vi uma macheia de gaivotas em terra" (Today I saw many seagulls on land) is an example. According to this logic, "machinha" refers to a small sum. "Dá-me uma machinha desses rebuçados" (Give me some sweets).

Maldeçoade:

The term derives from the word "amaldiçoado" (cursed), but it is not used in the Algarve in connection with spiritualism. In the region, people typically use it to describe restless or mischievous individuals. For example: "Maldeçoado moce, que não para quieto!" (This boy won't stop!)

Marafado:

"Marafado" is a person who is easily irritated, and it is also the nickname for all Algarvians. "Ah moce marafade!" is the most common phrase that uses this expression correctly; in this case, it means someone is angry.

Que Jête:

It is one of the expressions that Algarvians most naturally utter, always accompanied by a grimace that disapproves of something. So, this expression means disapproval of something someone else says. You can also hear a "ma que jête", which means the same thing.

These are just a few of the Algarvian expressions that showcase the cultural diversity within our small yet vibrant country. Embark on a holiday adventure and leave the locals astonished by using some of the phrases you've acquired here.