360+ Portuguese Nicknames and Their Meanings You’ll Love

Ever noticed how Portuguese speakers have this amazing talent for making you feel special with the nicknames they give? It’s not just about shortening names—it’s an art form that captures affection, personality, and cultural richness all at once.

Portuguese nicknames aren’t just cute labels. They’re little verbal hugs that showcase the warmth and expressiveness of Portuguese-speaking cultures, particularly in Brazil and Portugal. These terms of endearment reflect the deeply affectionate nature of these cultures, where showing love through language is as natural as breathing.

Let me walk you through the wonderful world of Portuguese nicknames—from the sweetest terms for your significant other to funny animal-inspired names that’ll make you smile. Ready to discover how a simple nickname can speak volumes about love, friendship, and cultural identity?

Cool Portuguese Nicknames

Looking for the perfect cool nickname in Portuguese? Here’s a list of that stand out for their uniqueness and appeal:

• Chefe – Meaning “boss,” origin from workplace hierarchy but used affectionately for someone in charge
• Astro – Meaning “star,” derived from astronomy, for someone who shines bright
• Guerreiro/a – Meaning “warrior,” from medieval Portuguese, for a brave person
• Maestro – Meaning “master,” from music terminology, for someone skilled
• Campeão/ã – Meaning “champion,” from sports terminology, for winners
• Fera – Meaning “beast/fierce one,” from animal terminology, for impressive people
• Craque – Meaning “ace/star player,” from sports, for talented individuals
• Mestre – Meaning “master,” from medieval trade guilds, for skilled mentors
• Gênio – Meaning “genius,” from Latin genius, for brilliant people
• Fenômeno – Meaning “phenomenon,” from Greek phainomenon, for exceptional people
• Lenda – Meaning “legend,” from Latin legenda, for legendary individuals
• Gigante – Meaning “giant,” from mythology, for impressive people
• Pistoleiro – Meaning “gunslinger,” from Western culture, for sharp shooters
• Dragão – Meaning “dragon,” from mythology, for fierce people
• Rei/Rainha – Meaning “king/queen,” from monarchy, for respected individuals
• Mito – Meaning “myth,” from Greek mythos, for legendary people
• Ninja – Borrowed from Japanese, for stealthy or skilled people
• Titã – Meaning “titan,” from Greek mythology, for powerful individuals
• Estrela – Meaning “star,” from astronomy, for standout individuals
• Bravo – Meaning “brave,” from Latin, for courageous people
• Mago/a – Meaning “magician,” from occult traditions, for magical personalities
• Samurai – Borrowed from Japanese, for disciplined, honorable people
• Trovão – Meaning “thunder,” from natural phenomena, for powerful individuals
• Patrão/oa – Meaning “boss,” from workplace terminology, for leaders
• Águia – Meaning “eagle,” from bird species, for sharp, visionary people
• Máquina – Meaning “machine,” from technology, for efficient people
• Monstro – Meaning “monster,” used positively for impressively skilled people
• Diamante – Meaning “diamond,” from gemology, for precious, brilliant people
• Imperador/a – Meaning “emperor,” from historical titles, for commanding people
• Leão/Leoa – Meaning “lion/lioness,” from animal kingdom, for brave leaders
• Ás – Meaning “ace,” from card games, for top performers
• Pantera – Meaning “panther,” from zoology, for sleek, powerful people
• Comandante – Meaning “commander,” from military ranks, for natural leaders
• Furacão – Meaning “hurricane,” from meteorology, for unstoppable forces
• Gladiador – Meaning “gladiator,” from Roman history, for fighters
• Pirata – Meaning “pirate,” from maritime history, for rebellious free spirits
• Jogador – Meaning “player,” from gaming/sports, for strategic thinkers
• Caçador – Meaning “hunter,” from traditional occupations, for determined pursuers
• Touro – Meaning “bull,” from animal kingdom, for strong, determined people
• Lobo/a – Meaning “wolf,” from wildlife, for lone or pack leaders
• Chama – Meaning “flame,” from fire, for passionate people
• Maestro – Meaning “conductor,” from music, for those who coordinate well
• Falcão – Meaning “falcon,” from birds of prey, for sharp, focused individuals
• Relâmpago – Meaning “lightning,” from weather phenomena, for quick people
• Fantasma – Meaning “ghost,” from folklore, for elusive, mysterious people
• Tubarão – Meaning “shark,” from marine life, for determined go-getters
• Ciclone – Meaning “cyclone,” from weather systems, for dynamic people
• Rocha – Meaning “rock,” from geology, for solid, dependable people
• Jaguar – From Brazilian wildlife, for elegant but powerful individuals
• Tempestade – Meaning “storm,” from weather, for powerful, impactful people

Science team names might draw inspiration from phenomena and discoveries, just like many of these cool Portuguese nicknames do!

Portuguese Nicknames

Here’s a general collection of common Portuguese nicknames you might hear in everyday life:

• Amor – Meaning “love,” derived from Latin amor, used between romantic partners
• Fofo/a – Meaning “fluffy/cute,” from sensory description, for adorable people
• Querido/a – Meaning “dear one,” from Latin carus (beloved), for close relationships
• Lindo/a – Meaning “beautiful,” from Latin limpidus (clear), for attractive people
• Coração – Meaning “heart,” from Latin cor, representing the center of affection
• Benzinho – Meaning “little blessing,” from religious terminology, for cherished ones
• Paixão – Meaning “passion,” from Latin passionem, for intense romantic connections
• Anjo – Meaning “angel,” from religious imagery, for sweet or helpful people
• Bem – Meaning “good/well,” from Latin bene, shortened form of “meu bem”
• Gatinho/a – Meaning “kitten,” from feline reference, for attractive or cute people
• Amorzinho – Meaning “little love,” diminutive of amor, for extra endearment
• Tesouro – Meaning “treasure,” from valuable possessions, for precious individuals
• Vida – Meaning “life,” from Latin vita, expressing vital importance
• Flor – Meaning “flower,” from Latin florem, for beautiful, delicate people
• Meu/Minha – Meaning “my,” possessive prefix added to many terms
• Boneca/o – Meaning “doll,” from children’s toys, for pretty or handsome people
• Príncipe/Princesa – Meaning “prince/princess,” from royal titles, for special ones
• Fofura – Meaning “cuteness,” abstract noun from fofo, for embodiment of cuteness
• Bonitinho/a – Meaning “pretty little one,” diminutive of bonito, for cute people
• Gostoso/a – Meaning “tasty,” from food descriptions, for attractive people
• Docinho – Meaning “little sweet,” from confectionery, for sweet personalities
• Carinho – Meaning “affection,” from Latin carus, for affectionate relationship
• Meu chuchu – Meaning “my chuchu (vegetable),” from food, Brazilian term of endearment
• Lindeza – Meaning “beauty,” abstract noun from lindo, for beautiful people
• Gracinha – Meaning “little grace,” from graceful qualities, for charming people
• Fofinho/a – Meaning “little fluffy/cute one,” double diminutive, for extra cuteness
• Menininho/a – Meaning “little boy/girl,” from diminutive of menino, regardless of age
• Mozão – Meaning “big boyfriend/girlfriend,” augmentative of “mor,” modern slang
• Amado/a – Meaning “beloved,” from Latin amatus, for deeply loved ones
• Amigo/a – Meaning “friend,” from Latin amicus, base for friend-based nicknames
• Bebê – Meaning “baby,” from French bébé, for partners or actual babies
• Pequeno/a – Meaning “small one,” from Latin pequeninus, for petite people or children
• Meu rei/rainha – Meaning “my king/queen,” from royalty, expressing high value
• Filhote – Meaning “cub/puppy,” from animal terminology, for younger people
• Paixãozinha – Meaning “little passion,” diminutive of paixão, intensifying affection
• Ursinho/a – Meaning “little bear,” from bear cub, for cuddly personalities
• Céu – Meaning “sky/heaven,” from Latin caelum, for heavenly connections
• Doçura – Meaning “sweetness,” from taste quality, for sweet personalities
• Xodó – Northeastern Brazilian term of endearment, from African languages
• Meu tudo – Meaning “my everything,” expressing completeness of affection
• Bicho – Meaning “critter,” from Latin bestius, affectionate term for friends
• Riqueza – Meaning “richness,” from valuable qualities, for precious people
• Vidinha – Meaning “little life,” diminutive of vida, intensifying the endearment
• Pedaço – Meaning “piece,” as in “piece of me,” for integral relationships
• Xuxu – Variant of chuchu, Brazilian term of endearment from food
• Amigão/ona – Meaning “big friend,” augmentative of amigo, for close friends
• Meu sol – Meaning “my sun,” from astronomy, for brightness in one’s life
• Guri/a – Southern Brazilian term for boy/girl, from indigenous Tupi language
• Dengoso/a – Meaning “cuddly/spoiled,” from behavior description, for affectionate ones
• Beijo – Meaning “kiss,” from Latin basium, used as term of endearment

Spiritual group names often express deep connections, just like many of these heartfelt Portuguese nicknames.

Funny Portuguese Nicknames

Portuguese humor shines through in these playful, sometimes silly nicknames:

• Cabeçudo – Meaning “big head,” from physical feature, for stubborn or smart people
• Fofoqueiro/a – Meaning “gossiper,” from behavior, for chatty people
• Pirralho/a – Meaning “little brat,” from child behavior, for mischievous friends
• Bobão/ona – Meaning “big silly,” from augmentative of bobo, for lovably foolish people
• Linguarudo/a – Meaning “big tongue,” from anatomy, for talkative people
• Pão-duro – Meaning “hard bread,” from food, for stingy friends
• Furão/ona – Meaning “ferret,” from animal, for nosy people
• Cabeça de vento – Meaning “head of wind,” from weather, for forgetful people
• Chato/a – Meaning “annoying/flat,” from behavior, for pestering friends
• Espoleta – Meaning “detonator,” from explosives, for energetic people
• Lesado/a – Meaning “damaged,” from injury, for slow or confused people
• Maluquinho/a – Meaning “little crazy one,” from mental state, for eccentric friends
• Pé-de-valsa – Meaning “waltz foot,” from dancing, for good dancers
• Barriga-verde – Meaning “green belly,” regional nickname for people from Santa Catarina
• Boca-mole – Meaning “soft mouth,” from anatomy, for those who can’t keep secrets
• Chiclete – Meaning “chewing gum,” from sticky quality, for clingy people
• Careca – Meaning “bald,” from hair loss, for bald friends
• Desengonçado/a – Meaning “uncoordinated,” from movement quality, for clumsy people
• Cheiroso/a – Meaning “smelly (good),” from olfactory, used ironically sometimes
• Perebento/a – Meaning “scabby,” from skin condition, for troublesome people
• Cabeça-dura – Meaning “hard head,” from physical attribute, for stubborn people
• Boca-braba – Meaning “angry mouth,” from speech pattern, for outspoken people
• Chorão/ona – Meaning “big crier,” from emotional behavior, for sensitive people
• Pé-rapado – Meaning “scraped foot,” from poor condition, for broke friends
• Caçamba – Meaning “dump truck,” from vehicles, for messy or large people
• Carne de pescoço – Meaning “neck meat,” from anatomy, for stubborn people
• Bagunceiro/a – Meaning “mess-maker,” from behavior, for disorganized people
• Traste – Meaning “junk/trash,” from valueless items, affectionately for troublemakers
• Bicudo/a – Meaning “beaky,” from bird feature, for people with prominent noses
• Leso/a – Meaning “injured,” from damage, for slow-witted people
• Mala sem alça – Meaning “suitcase without handle,” for difficult people
• Perna-de-pau – Meaning “wooden leg,” from prosthetics, for bad soccer players
• Quebra-galho – Meaning “branch-breaker,” from forest work, for helpful improvisers
• Caolho/a – Meaning “one-eyed,” from vision impairment, for distracted people
• Pé-frio – Meaning “cold foot,” from temperature, for unlucky people
• Bocó – Northeastern term for foolish person, from regional dialect
• Nhonho/a – Meaning “slow/dim,” from behavior, for slow people
• Batatinha – Meaning “little potato,” from food, for round or cute people
• Tampinha – Meaning “little cap,” from bottle caps, for short people
• Balofo/a – Meaning “puffy,” from appearance, for chubby friends
• Cabeça de bagre – Meaning “catfish head,” from fish, for silly or dumb moments
• Pateta – Meaning “goofy” (like Disney’s Goofy), for clumsy or silly people
• Chulé – Meaning “foot odor,” from smell, used ironically for close friends
• Tongo/a – Meaning “dummy,” from behavior, for lovably dim people
• Molengo/a – Meaning “floppy,” from physical state, for lazy people
• Lambão/ona – Meaning “licker,” from behavior, for greedy people
• Avoado/a – Meaning “flighty,” from bird behavior, for distracted people
• Piolho – Meaning “louse,” from insect, for clingy or small people
• Boca-de-siri – Meaning “crab mouth,” from seafood, for secretive people
• Lelé da cuca – Meaning “crazy in the head,” from mental state, for silly people

Funny team names capture group humor just like these Portuguese nicknames capture individual quirks!

Portuguese Nicknames For Friends

When Portuguese speakers want to show affection for their friends, they use these special nicknames:

• Amigão/ona – Meaning “big friend,” augmentative of amigo, for close friendships
• Parceiro/a – Meaning “partner,” from shared activities, for reliable friends
• Mano/a – Meaning “brother/sister,” from family terms, for close friends
• Confidente – Meaning “confidant,” from trust relationship, for trusted friends
• Irmão/ã – Meaning “brother/sister,” from family, for best friends
• Compadre/Comadre – Meaning “co-parent,” from godparent relationship, for close adult friends
• Colega – Meaning “colleague,” from Latin collegam, for friendly acquaintances
• Chegado/a – Meaning “close one,” from proximity, for intimate friends
• Camarada – Meaning “comrade,” from military/political context, for loyal friends
• Companheiro/a – Meaning “companion,” from shared journey, for travel or life partners
• Truta – Brazilian slang meaning “trusted friend,” from fish, popular in São Paulo
• Cupincha – Meaning “buddy,” from regional dialect, common in southern Brazil
• Meu caro/a – Meaning “my dear,” from formal address turned casual
• Parça – Shortened form of “parceiro,” modern Brazilian slang for buddy
• Chapa – Meaning “plate/mate,” from workplace terminology, for close colleague
• Meu querido/a – Meaning “my dear,” from affectionate address, for valued friends
• Maninho/a – Meaning “little brother/sister,” diminutive of mano, extra affectionate
• Xará – Meaning “namesake,” for friends with the same name
• Cumpa – Short for “companheiro,” regional term from northern Brazil
• Velho/a – Meaning “old one,” from age, for longtime friends
• Bróder – Adapted from English “brother,” popular among Brazilian youth
• Brother – English borrowing, commonly used among Portuguese-speaking men
• Meu chapa – Meaning “my mate,” from workplace, for trusted colleague
• Fechamento – Meaning “closure,” modern slang for someone who completes you
• Mano véio – Meaning “old brother,” from familial terms, for longtime male friends
• Meu/Minha doce – Meaning “my sweet one,” from taste, for gentle friends
• Meu povo – Meaning “my people,” from group identity, for friend groups
• Joia – Meaning “jewel,” from valuable items, for precious friends
• Velhinho/a – Meaning “little old one,” affectionate for longtime friends
• Maluco/a – Meaning “crazy one,” for wild friends
• Filé – Meaning “filet,” from premium meat cut, for high-quality friends
• Paizão/Mãezona – Meaning “big dad/mom,” for nurturing friends
• Gente boa – Meaning “good people,” for kind-hearted friends
• Fiel – Meaning “faithful,” from loyalty, for trustworthy friends
• Manolo – Spanish-influenced variant of “mano,” casual male friendship term
• Meu conselheiro/a – Meaning “my counselor,” for advice-giving friends
• Vizinho/a – Meaning “neighbor,” regardless of actual proximity
• Padim/Madinha – Northeastern terms for godfather/godmother, used for respected friends
• Chefia – Meaning “chief,” from workplace hierarchy, for respected friends
• Meu chegado – Meaning “my close one,” for inner circle friends
• Meu povo – Meaning “my people,” collective for close friend group
• Galera – Meaning “crew,” from group identity, for friend circles
• Meu truta – Meaning “my trusted one,” São Paulo slang for best friend
• Amigaço – Extreme augmentative of “amigo,” for exceptionally close friends
• Minha dupla – Meaning “my duo,” for paired friends or partners-in-crime
• Aliado/a – Meaning “ally,” from cooperative relationship, for supportive friends
• Meu cumpadi – Colloquial form of “compadre,” rural term for close friend
• Sangue bom – Meaning “good blood,” for friends as close as family
• Meu/Minha fiel – Meaning “my faithful one,” emphasizing loyalty in friendship
• Irmãozinho/a – Meaning “little brother/sister,” diminutive of irmão, for dear friends

Fantasy hockey team names bring together sports fans like these friendship nicknames bring together close companions!

Types of Portuguese Nicknames

Affectionate Nicknames

The Portuguese language excels at expressing love, and nowhere is this more evident than in its treasure trove of affectionate nicknames. These terms go straight to the heart:

• Meu amor (My love)
• Coração (Heart)
• Querido/a (Dear)
• Vida (Life)
• Bebê (Baby)

What makes these nicknames extra special is how they often use possessives like “meu” (my) or “minha” (my, feminine form). When someone calls you “meu bem” (my goodness/my good), they’re not just giving you a nickname—they’re claiming you as their own little piece of happiness.

Diminutives and Augmentatives

One of Portuguese’s superpowers is its ability to transform words with special suffixes that add layers of meaning. This is where the language gets really fun and expressive!

Diminutives (usually ending in -inho or -inha) make things sound smaller, cuter, and more endearing:

• Amorzinho (Little love)
• Beijinho (Little kiss)
• Bonitinho/a (Cutie)

Augmentatives (often ending in -ão) make things bigger and sometimes more intense:

• Mozão (Big love/big boyfriend/girlfriend)
• Amigão (Big friend)
• Gostosão/Gostosona (Big hottie)

These suffixes aren’t just about size—they’re about feeling. A diminutive makes something feel adorable and precious, while an augmentative can express admiration or playful exaggeration.

Animal-Based Nicknames

Animals play a starring role in Portuguese nicknames, bringing playfulness and character traits into the mix:

• Gatinho/Gatinha (Little cat/kitten) – For someone cute or sexy
• Ursinho (Little bear) – For someone cuddly
• Leãozinho (Little lion) – For someone brave or with impressive hair
• Coelho/Coelhinha (Rabbit/little rabbit) – For someone sweet or quick

These animal nicknames often capture something essential about a person’s character or appearance. When a Brazilian calls someone “Tigresa” (tigress), they’re recognizing their fierce, passionate nature.

Food-Inspired Nicknames

The Portuguese-speaking world loves its food, so it’s no surprise that many nicknames come straight from the kitchen:

• Bombom (Chocolate bonbon) – For someone sweet and delicious
• Docinho (Little sweet)
• Chuchuzinho (Little chuchu—a vegetable, but used as “cutie pie”)
• Pimentinha (Little pepper) – For someone spicy or energetic

Food nicknames often connect sweetness with affection, though some playfully reference other qualities—like calling an energetic person “Pimentinha” because they’re a bit spicy!

Unique Regional Nicknames

Bodybuilding team names might draw inspiration from Portuguese regional nicknames, which vary widely across the Portuguese-speaking world. In northeastern Brazil, you might hear:

• Oxente – Used as a term of endearment unique to the region
• Cabra da peste – Literally “plague goat,” but used admiringly for a tough, resilient person

While in Portugal, you might encounter:

• Pá – Short for “rapaz” (boy/guy), used casually between friends
• Fixe – Cool person

Gender-Specific Nicknames

Nicknames for Boyfriends

When Portuguese speakers want to make their boyfriends feel special, they choose nicknames that highlight masculine qualities or simply express affection:

• Lindo (Handsome)
• Gato (Cat/hottie)
• Príncipe (Prince)
• Moreno (Dark-haired guy)
• Fofinho (Cuddly/cute one)

These terms often celebrate masculine attributes while still maintaining that warm, affectionate quality that Portuguese excels at expressing.

Nicknames for Girlfriends

Nicknames for girlfriends in Portuguese tend to focus on beauty, sweetness, and preciousness:

• Linda (Beautiful)
• Princesa (Princess)
• Gata (Female cat/hottie)
• Flor (Flower)
• Boneca (Doll)

What’s fascinating is how these gendered nicknames reveal cultural values and gender expectations, even as they express genuine affection.

Pronunciation Guide

Pronouncing Portuguese nicknames correctly makes all the difference! Here are some key points to remember:

1. The letter “r” is often pronounced differently than in English—more like an “h” sound in Brazil
2. Nasal sounds (marked with “~”) like in “coração” require speaking partly through your nose
3. The letter “x” can sound like “sh” in many words

For example:

• Querido: keh-REE-doo
• Gatinha: gah-CHEE-nya
• Coração: co-rah-SOW (with nasal final syllable)

Historical Context of Portuguese Nicknames

Portuguese nicknames have evolved alongside the language itself. When Portuguese colonizers arrived in Brazil, they brought their naming conventions with them, but these quickly blended with indigenous and African influences.

Interestingly, many Portuguese family names actually originated as nicknames hundreds of years ago. “Ferreira” (blacksmith), “Oliveira” (olive tree grower), and “Carvalho” (oak) were all occupational or characteristic nicknames that eventually became surnames.

Regional dialects have greatly influenced nickname creation. The softer pronunciation of Brazilian Portuguese, especially in coastal areas, has led to more melodic, drawn-out nicknames, while the more clipped European Portuguese features more compact terms of endearment.

Creative Ways to Use Portuguese Nicknames

Finding the perfect Portuguese nickname for someone special means considering their unique qualities. Does your friend have curly hair? “Cachinho” (little curl) might be perfect. Is your partner always warm and sunny? Maybe “Sol” (sun) fits them well.

Rugby team names often use group identity to create cohesion, and Portuguese nicknames work similarly—they create intimacy and shared identity between people.

To create your own Portuguese nickname for someone:

1. Think about their most distinctive trait
2. Consider your relationship’s inside jokes
3. Try adding a diminutive (-inho/inha) to make it more endearing
4. Practice pronunciation to make it sound authentic

Fun Facts About Portuguese Nicknames

Did you know that some of the most affectionate Portuguese nicknames have surprisingly unusual meanings?

• Chamego (literally “cuddle”) is a deeply affectionate nickname in northeastern Brazil
• Xodó (a term without direct translation) refers to someone you cherish completely
• Dengo refers to someone who is your weakness or soft spot

Brazilian and European Portuguese have developed different sets of popular nicknames. While Brazilians might use “Gato” for a handsome man, Portuguese might prefer “Porreiro” for a cool guy.

Cultural Etiquette Around Nicknames

In Portuguese-speaking cultures, knowing when to use nicknames versus formal address is crucial. While nicknames signal closeness and informality, they can be inappropriate in professional or formal settings.

Some guidelines to remember:

• Reserved for family, friends, and intimate partners
• Generally avoided in professional settings
• Often used with children of all relationships
• Used more freely in Brazil than in Portugal

Setting	Appropriate Nickname Use
Family gatherings	Very appropriate
Among close friends	Very appropriate
Workplace with colleagues	Sometimes appropriate, depends on relationship
First meeting	Generally inappropriate
Formal events	Inappropriate

Comparison with Other Languages

Portuguese nicknames share roots with Spanish terms of endearment but have their own distinct flavor. While Spanish might use “mi amor,” Portuguese prefers “meu amor.” Both languages love diminutives, but Portuguese arguably has a more extensive and creative system.

Italian and Portuguese share the Latin emotional expressiveness, but Portuguese takes it further with its range of suffixes and transformations. English tends toward more straightforward nicknames (honey, sweetheart), while Portuguese creates intricate variations with emotional nuance.

What sets Portuguese apart is its unmatched ability to transform almost any word into a term of endearment through suffixes. This grammatical flexibility gives the language extraordinary emotional range.

Final Thoughts

Portuguese nicknames are more than just cute names—they’re windows into a culture that values expressiveness, affection, and personal connection. They turn language into a tool for strengthening bonds and celebrating what makes each person special.

By learning these terms of endearment, you’re not just picking up vocabulary; you’re gaining insight into how Portuguese-speaking cultures view relationships, affection, and human connection. Whether you’re learning Portuguese, connecting with Brazilian or Portuguese friends, or simply appreciating linguistic diversity, these nicknames offer a special glimpse into how language shapes our emotional worlds.

So next time someone calls you “fofinho” or “coração,” remember—you’re not just being nicknamed; you’re being embraced by a rich linguistic tradition that puts love and connection at the center of everyday speech.

Minecraft team names might capture the fun of gaming communities, but Portuguese nicknames capture something even more powerful—the human need to express love through language.

Additional Resources

For those who want to explore Portuguese nicknames further:

• Listen to Brazilian and Portuguese music to hear nicknames used naturally
• Practice with language exchange partners who can share the nicknames used in their families
• Explore books on Portuguese language that focus on colloquial speech

Now that you’ve got the basics, why not try using some of these nicknames with Portuguese-speaking friends? Just watch their faces light up when you show appreciation for their cultural expressions of affection!