What is Borogodó?

Unravel the Meaning Behind This Untranslatable Portuguese Word.

RIO DE JANEIRO

Last updated: August 18, 2023

What is borogodó?

Brazilians have a spectacular word all their own: "borogodó." But what does it mean?

Borogodó is a word in Brazilian Portuguese with no direct translation into English. It originated from the indigenous peoples of Brazil, specifically from the Tupi-Guarani tribe.

It's hard to describe in English because no single word captures its meaning. It refers to a combination of indescribable qualities — or perhaps just one quality — that makes someone more attractive to those around them. It's almost like a charm, but much more than that — something magnetic, charismatic, and highly engaging.

This expression, "borogodó," is understood as something attractive, special, and irresistible. Even someone who is not conventionally attractive can still have "borogodó" that makes them appealing. It's an intangible quality that not everyone possesses.

Having "borogodó" is considered a very positive thing, as it indicates that someone or something is exceptional, with a unique vibe and energy. Brazilians are known for their warmth, hospitality, and love of life, and "borogodó" is a perfect encapsulation of these traits.

More than just a word; it’s a concept that captures the essence of what makes life vibrant and full of surprises. It’s the sparkle in someone’s eye, the rhythm in a piece of music, or the feeling you get when you stumble upon something special.

In a world that often values the quantifiable and the tangible, "borogodó" reminds us of the power of the intangible — the things that can’t be measured but are deeply felt.

In Brazilian culture, to say that someone has "borogodó" is to pay them a high compliment. It’s an acknowledgment of their unique presence, their ability to enchant without trying, to attract without effort. This quality is highly valued because it transcends superficial attributes — it’s something innate, something you either have or you don’t.

So, the next time you experience something that resonates with you in a way you can’t quite explain, you might just be witnessing the power of "borogodó."

Borogodó is such an awesome word.

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