Portuguese · Words You'll Hear But Must Never Say
Macaco
mah-KAH-koo · /ma.ˈka.ku/
Racist slur aimed at Black people
nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended
Literally
"Monkey"
Word-for-word — which is rarely what it means.
How to use it
Listed for comprehension only. The plain word "macaco" just means monkey and is harmless — but hurled at a Black person it's a vile racist slur, and this has been a recurring scandal in Brazilian football, with players targeted by fans throwing the word (and bananas) from the stands. Recognize it so you understand the outrage when it happens. Never, ever use it at a person. Racism is a crime in Brazil (injúria racial).
Heard in the wild
[comprehension only — do not use as a slur]
Harmless as 'monkey'; a racist slur when aimed at a person. Never use it that way.
Where it lands
Brazil. Comprehension-only for the slur sense.
Quick answers
- What does "Macaco" mean?
- In Portuguese, "Macaco" means "Racist slur aimed at Black people". Literally it's "Monkey". Listed for comprehension only. The plain word "macaco" just means monkey and is harmless — but hurled at a Black person it's a vile racist slur, and this has been a recurring scandal in Brazilian football, with players targeted by fans throwing the word (and bananas) from the stands. Recognize it so you understand the outrage when it happens. Never, ever use it at a person. Racism is a crime in Brazil (injúria racial).
- Is "Macaco" offensive?
- Yes — very. It rates 5/5 on the Punch-o-Meter (Do not deploy). nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended. Read the usage note before you even think about it.
- How do you pronounce "Macaco"?
- Say it "mah-KAH-koo" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: ma.ˈka.ku.
Related in Portuguese
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