corno

ˈkoʁ.nuinsult, masculine, sexual shame

What does corno mean? corno is a Portuguese severe that translates to “cuckold” in English.

horn / cuckold

01

"cuckold"

Man whose wife/girlfriend cheats on him; symbolized by horns.

Dizem que ele é corno e nem sabe (They say he's a cuckold and doesn't even know)

Context

  • Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
  • Only among very close friends who share this register
  • Direct confrontation (use with caution)

Avoid

  • Professional or formal settings
  • Around elders or authority figures
  • Public spaces — will cause genuine offense
  • Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations

Cultural Context

Extremely offensive to masculine pride in Latin cultures. 'Chifrudo' is synonym (horned one). Accusing a man of being 'corno' is fighting words. 'Fazer chifre' = to cuckold someone. The shame of the 'corno' is a major theme in Brazilian culture.

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