Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

portunhol

Noun
por-toon-ohl
Definition
A blend of Portuguese and Spanish used, especially in border regions between Brazil and Spanish-speaking countries.
Examples
  • While traveling in Paraguay, I often found myself speaking portunhol to communicate with locals.
  • In border towns, portunhol can be heard in shops and markets where Brazilian and Argentine cultures meet.
Meaning
Portunhol is primarily a colloquial term referring to the hybrid language that emerges when speakers of Portuguese and Spanish communicate, often mixing elements of both languages. It is prevalent in areas where these two languages coexist and reflects the cultural interactions between Portuguese and Spanish speakers.
Synonyms
  • Spanglish (mix of Spanish and English)
  • Macaronic language