Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

boia-fria

noun

/ˈbɔɪə ˈfɾiɐ/

Definition

A term used in Brazil to refer to a worker who migrates for seasonal agricultural work.

Examples

The boia-fria travels from one farm to another, picking fruits during the harvest season.
Many boias-frias endure harsh conditions to support their families.
Local communities sometimes provide assistance to boias-frias by offering meals and shelter.

Meaning

The word combines ‘boia’, meaning food or provisions, and ‘fria’, meaning cold, indicating that these workers often live in basic conditions while moving from one job to another, particularly in rural areas.