Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sacana

noun
/sah-KAH-nah/
Definition
A term used primarily in Brazilian Portuguese to refer to a playful or cunning person, often with a slightly negative connotation indicating deceitfulness.
Examples
  • Ele é um sacana, sempre tentando enganar os outros.
  • Não confie nele, ele pode ser um sacana quando quer.
  • Ela fez uma sacanagem que deixou todos surpresos.
Meaning
In a broader sense, ‘sacana’ can refer to someone who is mischievous, tricky, or engaged in behavior that is not entirely straightforward.
Synonyms
  • malandro
  • trapaceiro
  • engano