caramba
What does caramba mean? caramba is a Portuguese mild that translates to “darn / wow / holy cow” in English.
Literal Translation
gosh / darn
Meaning & Usage
"darn / wow / holy cow"
Minced oath for 'caralho' (dick).
Examples in the Wild
Caramba! Que lugar lindo! (Wow! What a beautiful place!)
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- As a spontaneous exclamation
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
The 'safe' version of 'caralho.' Used by all ages, even children. 'Caramba!' = Wow!/Darn! 'Caraças' (Portugal) is equivalent. Can express surprise or disappointment.
More in Portuguese 🇧🇷
View all →puta
“whore / bitch / slut”
Woman who sells sex; highly offensive gendered slur.
buceta
“cunt / pussy”
Vulgar slang for female genitalia.
filho da puta
“son of a bitch / motherfucker”
Attack on parentage; implies illegitimacy and low birth.
imbecil
“imbecile / moron”
Stupid or incompetent person.
puta que pariu
“holy fuck / motherfucker / goddamn”
Unique Portuguese construction combining 'puta' + relative clause 'who gave birth.'
baitola
“faggot”
Another strong slur for gay men.
merda
“shit / crap”
Excrement; standard exclamation for frustration.
foda-se
“fuck it / fuck off / who cares”
Expression of dismissal or indifference.