vira-lata

Portuguese

Etymology

From vira (“he knocks over”) +‎ lata (“[trash] can”).

Pronunciation

 

• (Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˌvi.ɾɐˈla.tɐ/

• (Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˌvi.ɾɐˈla.tɐ/
  • (Southern Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˌvi.ɾaˈla.ta/

 

• (Portugal) IPA^(key): /ˌvi.ɾɐˈla.tɐ/

• (Portugal) IPA^(key): /ˌvi.ɾɐˈla.tɐ/
  • (Northern Portugal) IPA^(key): /ˌbi.ɾɐˈla.tɐ/

• Hyphenation: vi‧ra‧la‧ta

Noun

vira-lata m or f by sense (plural vira-latas)

1. mutt (a dog of mixed breed)

   Synonym: rafeiro

2. stray (dog that lives at large, without an owner)
3. (very offensive) mongrel (person of mixed race)
4. a person who dislikes his own country and culture and/or prefers what is foreign (especially American). This term originated from Nelson Rodrigues' description of Mongrel Complex (Complexo de Vira-lata), the people's tendency to view their own country in a negative way

   Eu tenho que sair desse lugar. Eu odeio esse país.
   Vai tarde, vira-lata.

   I have to leave this place. I hate this country.
   Good riddance, mutt.

Adjective

vira-lata m or f (plural vira-latas)

1. (of a domestic animal, especially a dog) mongrel (of mixed breed)

   Synonym: rafeiro