Here is a second article of Algarve expressions, this time with help from people who commented and made suggestions as a result of the first article. Therefore, we will not mention those that were already featured in the other article, but include others of equal importance to the Algarve “dialect”.
“Diéb” – This means devil. It is used to demonstrate outrage towards someone. Usually used as follows: “Té diéb”
“Dar vaia” – or “dar de vaia”. Also used when the Algarvian people intend to get someone’s attention or to greet.
“Machinha” – Mixture of the word hand with the diminutive of full. And it means just that, hand full
“Cachaporrada” –Usually used to threaten to hit someone else
“Alvariade” – Someone who does not pay attention to anything.
“Bela-luísa” – The Algarve is the only place that names lemon verbena tea this way.
“à babuja” – Means by the water’s edge
“bezaranha” – This means wind.
Caguifo/a – This expression is used both in the feminine and the masculine to designate fear of somebody or something.
Empachade – Someone who takes a lot of time to do something.
Apoquentar – Means being upset or worried about something.
Maline – Bad, stubborn, evil person or animal
Here in the Algarve there are so many different words that sometimes we end up not knowing how to choose the most used! We could have also mentioned amodes, cagaice, assumar, ávonde, farrajão, ortelhos, condelipa, amarinhar, plengana, arjamolho, among others. Perhaps Mar d’Estórias will elaborate with another article to explain these and other Algarvian words and their meanings.