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A2 noun #9,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

coxinha

Top 9,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces coxinha en 30 secondes

Explication coxinha in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'coxinha' as a basic food vocabulary word. It is a very popular Brazilian snack. You will mostly use it in simple sentences to express hunger or to order food. For example: 'Eu quero uma coxinha' (I want a coxinha). It is important to know that it is a feminine noun. You can think of it as a 'chicken snack' shaped like a little ball with a point. You will see it in every bakery in Brazil. It is cheap and delicious. Just remember the 'nh' sound is like 'ny' in English. It's a great word to start your food journey in Portuguese because you will use it every time you go for a quick snack.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'coxinha' in more descriptive contexts. You should be able to specify the type of coxinha you want, such as 'coxinha de frango' (chicken coxinha) or 'coxinha com catupiry' (with creamy cheese). You can also use adjectives to describe it, like 'quente' (hot), 'fria' (cold), or 'gostosa' (tasty). At this level, you might also encounter the plural 'coxinhas' at parties. You should be able to ask about the price: 'Quanto custa a coxinha?'. You are also learning that it is part of a group of foods called 'salgadinhos'. It's a key word for surviving social gatherings and navigating Brazilian snack bars.

At the B1 level, you can understand the cultural importance of the coxinha. You can describe how it is made: 'A coxinha é frita e recheada com frango' (The coxinha is fried and filled with chicken). You might start to hear the word used in more informal settings, and you can discuss your preferences. You can talk about the history or the 'myth' of the coxinha's origin involving the Brazilian royal family. You can also use the word in the context of 'festa de aniversário' (birthday party) and understand that 'cento de coxinhas' is a standard order for events. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related verbs like 'fritar', 'rechear', and 'encomendar'.

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At the B2 level, you should become familiar with the slang usage of 'coxinha'. You will hear it used to describe a person who is 'square', conservative, or very conventional. This is a common social label in Brazil, especially in urban areas like São Paulo. You can participate in debates about social classes where this term might come up. You also understand the nuance of 'coxinha' vs 'mortadela' in political contexts. Furthermore, you can discuss gourmet variations of the snack, such as 'coxinha gourmet' or 'coxinha vegana'. You are comfortable using the word in both its literal culinary sense and its metaphorical social sense.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the sociopolitical connotations of 'coxinha'. You can analyze how the term has evolved from a simple food item to a symbol of a specific middle-class identity. You can use it fluently in complex social commentaries and understand the irony or sarcasm when it's used in media or literature. You are also aware of regional differences in how the snack is prepared and named. You can describe the texture and flavor profile with precision, using advanced culinary terms. You understand the historical theories of its origin in the 19th-century industrialization of São Paulo versus the royal family legends.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of the word 'coxinha' and its various layers of meaning. You can use the word in highly nuanced ways, perhaps even in creative writing or academic discussions about Brazilian culture and food history. You understand the etymological roots (diminutive of 'coxa') and how diminutive forms in Portuguese add a layer of affection or informality. You can navigate the most subtle political discussions where 'coxinha' is used as a shorthand for certain ideologies. You are an expert on the 'salgadinho' culture and can explain the intricacies of Brazilian snack-bar etiquette and the social hierarchies reflected in food choices.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

coxinha en 30 secondes

A legendary Brazilian deep-fried chicken snack with a unique teardrop shape, found in every bakery and party across the country.
The word literally means 'little thigh' in Portuguese and is the most famous type of 'salgadinho' in Brazil.
Beyond food, it's a common slang term for a person who is conservative, conventional, or a 'rule-follower'.
Essential vocabulary for ordering food in Brazil and understanding modern social and political references in the country.

The word coxinha is perhaps the most iconic term in the Brazilian culinary lexicon. At its most basic, literal level, the word is the diminutive form of coxa, which means 'thigh'. Therefore, a coxinha literally translates to 'little thigh'. This name is derived from its distinctive teardrop shape, which was originally intended to mimic the appearance of a chicken drumstick. In the modern context, however, it refers to a savory dough made of wheat flour and chicken broth, filled with seasoned shredded chicken, shaped into a point, breaded, and deep-fried to golden perfection. It is the king of the salgadinhos (savory snacks) and is ubiquitous across all of Brazil, from high-end bakeries in São Paulo to humble street stalls in the Amazon.

Culinary Definition: A deep-fried snack consisting of shredded chicken meat, covered in a dough based on wheat flour and chicken broth, shaped to resemble a chicken leg.

Beyond the kitchen, the word has taken on a fascinating sociopolitical layer. In Brazilian slang, a coxinha can refer to a person who is very conventional, conservative, law-abiding to a fault, or someone who is perceived as 'posh' and out of touch with the working class. This usage emerged prominently in São Paulo and has since spread nationwide. When you are in a lanchonete (snack bar), you are using the culinary term. When you are discussing social behavior or politics, you might be using the slang term.

Garçom, eu gostaria de uma coxinha de frango com catupiry, por favor.

The snack is so popular that it has its own dedicated day in some regions and is the centerpiece of children's birthday parties.

Não pode faltar coxinha na festa de aniversário do Pedro.

Social Context: Used to describe a person who is 'square', overly concerned with rules, or belongs to a certain conservative socio-economic class.

Ele é muito coxinha, sempre usa camisa polo por dentro da calça.

Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the Brazilian love of deep-fried finger foods. It is rarely eaten as a main meal but rather as a lanche (snack) between meals or as a party appetizer.

Regional Variation: While the classic is chicken, you may find 'coxinha de jaca' (jackfruit) for vegetarians or 'coxinha de costela' (rib meat) in gourmet shops.

A coxinha daquela padaria é famosa em toda a cidade.

Você prefere a pontinha ou a base da coxinha?

Using the word coxinha correctly depends largely on whether you are at a food counter or in a social setting. In a padaria (bakery), you will likely use the verb querer (to want) or pedir (to ask/order). Because it is a feminine noun, you must always use feminine articles and adjectives: a coxinha, uma coxinha, coxinhas gostosas.

Ordering Food: When ordering, specify the size or the filling if there are options. 'Uma coxinha grande' is a standard snack size, while 'cento de coxinhas' refers to a hundred mini ones for a party.

Vou pedir duas coxinhas e um suco de laranja.

In the context of describing a person (the slang usage), coxinha acts as an adjective or a noun. It is often used with the verb ser (to be) to describe a permanent character trait.

Aquele bairro é cheio de gente coxinha.

You will also encounter the word in recipes and cooking shows. Verbs like rechear (to fill), modelar (to shape), empanar (to bread), and fritar (to fry) are the standard companions for this word.

Cooking Verbs: Minha avó sabe modelar a coxinha perfeitamente.

A massa da coxinha deve ser cozida antes de fritar.

Another common phrase involves the 'catupiry' cheese mentioned before. It is almost treated as a compound noun in Brazil: 'coxinha de frango com catupiry'.

Tem coxinha sem catupiry? Eu sou alérgico a lactose.

Social Commentary: Pare de ser tão coxinha e venha se divertir com a gente!

O preço da coxinha subiu muito este ano.

A melhor parte da coxinha é a casquinha crocante.

You will hear the word coxinha everywhere in Brazil, but the context will shift based on the location. If you are at a gas station stop (parada de estrada) during a long bus trip, you will hear people asking for a 'coxinha' to eat on the go. These roadside coxinhas are legendary for being large and filling.

The Lanchonete: The most common place to hear the word. Customers point at the glass display and say, 'Me dá uma coxinha, por favor'.

A coxinha está quente ou fria?

At children's birthday parties, the word is spoken in the plural. You'll hear parents telling kids, 'Coma uma coxinha antes do bolo' (Eat a coxinha before the cake). These are the 'coxinhas de festa', which are bite-sized. In the corporate world or in more affluent neighborhoods of São Paulo, you might hear the word used as a light insult or a descriptor of a lifestyle. A 'lifestyle coxinha' involves wearing specific brands (like polo shirts with small logos), driving certain cars, and having very conventional tastes.

Social Slang: Used in conversations about social classes or political leanings. It's often contrasted with 'mortadela' (representing the left/working class).

Não seja coxinha, vamos para o samba de rua!

In the media, you will see 'coxinha' in food reviews, travel vlogs, and even in political commentary. There are even 'coxinha festivals' where chefs compete to make the best or most creative version of the snack.

O festival de coxinha atraiu milhares de pessoas no último domingo.

The Street Market: At the 'feira', you might find 'coxinha de pastéis' or stalls specializing in fried snacks where the word is shouted by vendors.

Olha a coxinha fresquinha, acabou de sair do fogo!

Qual é o segredo para a sua coxinha ficar tão sequinha?

When learning to use the word coxinha, English speakers often struggle with three main areas: pronunciation, gender agreement, and cultural nuance. The most common pronunciation mistake is the 'nh' sound. It is not a hard 'n' followed by a 'h', but rather a palatal nasal sound similar to the 'ny' in 'canyon' or the Spanish 'ñ'. If you say 'co-zin-ha', it will sound like 'little kitchen' (cozinha), which is a completely different word!

Pronunciation Pitfall: Confusing 'coxinha' (snack) with 'cozinha' (kitchen). The 'x' in coxinha is a 'sh' sound, while the 'z' in cozinha is a 'z' sound. They are very close!

Eu quero uma coxinha (snack) vs. Eu estou na cozinha (kitchen).

Another mistake is gender. Since 'coxinha' ends in 'a', it is feminine. Beginners often use 'o coxinha' when they are hungry and rushed. Always remember: a coxinha, uma coxinha, esta coxinha. In terms of usage, don't confuse a coxinha with an empada. An empada is a baked savory pie with a crumbly crust, while a coxinha is always fried with a doughy, elastic interior. If you ask for a coxinha and expect a pie, you will be surprised.

Category Confusion: Not all 'salgadinhos' are coxinhas. Be careful not to use 'coxinha' as a generic term for all Brazilian snacks.

Isso não é uma coxinha, é um quibe!

Finally, be careful with the slang usage. Calling someone a coxinha can be taken as an insult, depending on the person's political views or their sense of humor. It implies they are boring, conventional, or perhaps even a 'tattletale' type. Use it among friends but avoid it in professional or formal environments unless you are sure of the reception.

The 'X' Sound: The 'X' in Portuguese can have many sounds (sh, s, z, ks). In 'coxinha', it is always the 'sh' sound, like in 'shoe'.

A pronúncia correta de coxinha é fundamental para ser entendido.

Nunca diga 'o coxinha' quando estiver se referindo ao salgado.

While the coxinha is unique, it belongs to a family of snacks called salgadinhos. If you want to expand your vocabulary, you should learn the names of its 'cousins'. The quibe (or kibe) is a deep-fried bulgur wheat and meat snack of Middle Eastern origin, very popular in Brazil. The empada is a small baked pie. The rissole (or rissole) is a half-moon shaped fried snack, usually filled with cheese or ground beef.

Coxinha vs. Rissole: The coxinha is teardrop-shaped and filled with chicken. The rissole is semicircular and usually filled with ham and cheese or corn.

Eu prefiro coxinha, mas o rissole de milho também é bom.

Another alternative is the enroladinho de salsicha (pigs in a blanket), which uses a similar dough to the coxinha but wraps around a sausage. For those who want something lighter, the pão de queijo (cheese bread) is the ultimate alternative, though it is baked and made from tapioca flour. In the slang sense, alternatives to coxinha include certinho (someone who follows all rules), careta (square/old-fashioned), or mauricinho (preppy guy). However, 'coxinha' has a specific modern Brazilian flavor that these other words don't quite capture.

Coxinha vs. Mauricinho: A 'mauricinho' is specifically a wealthy, preppy young man. A 'coxinha' is more about a conservative, rule-following attitude, regardless of age.

Ele não é um mauricinho, ele é apenas um coxinha que gosta de ordem.

Na falta de coxinha, vou comer um pão de queijo.

The 'Empada' Comparison: Empadas are crumbly; coxinhas are chewy and crunchy. Empadas are baked; coxinhas are fried.

A coxinha é o salgado mais vendido do Brasil.

Existem versões gigantes de coxinha que pesam mais de um quilo!

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Legend says the coxinha was created in the 19th century at the Limeira farm for the son of Princess Isabel and Count d'Eu, who only ate chicken thighs. The cook created the snack to ensure there were always 'thighs' available.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kɒˈʃiːnjə/

US /koʊˈʃinjə/

The stress is on the second syllable: co-XIN-ha.

Rime avec

galinha cozinha minha linha rainha farinha sozinha caminha

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'x' as 'ks' like in 'box'. In Portuguese, 'x' often sounds like 'sh'.
Pronouncing 'nh' as a hard 'n' followed by 'h'. It should be one fluid nasal sound.
Confusing it with 'cozinha' (kitchen), which has a 'z' sound instead of 'sh'.
Stressing the last syllable (coxinhÁ) instead of the middle one.
Making the 'o' sound too much like 'u' in the first syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in menus and texts.

Écriture 3/5

The 'nh' and 'x' can be tricky for beginners to spell correctly.

Expression orale 4/5

Pronunciation of 'x' and 'nh' requires practice to sound native.

Écoute 3/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with 'cozinha'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

frango comida querer festa padaria

Apprends ensuite

pão de queijo empada quibe pastel brigadeiro

Avancé

salgadinho fritura conservador estereótipo gastronomia

Grammaire à connaître

Diminutives in Portuguese

Coxa -> Coxinha (Little thigh).

Feminine noun agreement

A coxinha é deliciosa.

Preposition 'de' for ingredients

Coxinha de frango.

Pluralization of words ending in 'a'

Coxinha -> Coxinhas.

Pronunciation of 'nh'

Cozinha, Galinha, Coxinha.

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Exemples par niveau

Eu quero uma coxinha.

I want a coxinha.

Feminine singular article 'uma'.

A coxinha é gostosa.

The coxinha is tasty.

Adjective 'gostosa' agrees with feminine noun.

Você tem coxinha?

Do you have coxinha?

Simple question structure.

Uma coxinha, por favor.

One coxinha, please.

Polite request.

A coxinha é de frango.

The coxinha is (made) of chicken.

Preposition 'de' indicating filling.

Eu gosto de coxinha.

I like coxinha.

Verb 'gostar' requires 'de'.

Onde está a coxinha?

Where is the coxinha?

Question word 'onde'.

A coxinha é barata.

The coxinha is cheap.

Adjective 'barata' (feminine).

Eu vou comer uma coxinha com catupiry.

I am going to eat a coxinha with catupiry cheese.

Future with 'vou' + infinitive.

As coxinhas estão muito quentes.

The coxinhas are very hot.

Plural agreement: 'as', 'coxinhas', 'estão', 'quentes'.

Quero duas coxinhas grandes.

I want two large coxinhas.

Plural adjective 'grandes'.

A coxinha desta padaria é a melhor.

The coxinha from this bakery is the best.

Contraction 'desta' (de + esta).

Você prefere coxinha ou quibe?

Do you prefer coxinha or quibe?

Comparison using 'ou'.

Minha mãe faz coxinha no domingo.

My mother makes coxinha on Sunday.

Present tense 'faz'.

Não tem coxinha hoje.

There is no coxinha today.

Negative 'não tem' (there isn't).

A coxinha é um salgado frito.

The coxinha is a fried snack.

Defining the category.

Nós encomendamos cem coxinhas para a festa.

We ordered a hundred coxinhas for the party.

Past tense 'encomendamos'.

A massa da coxinha é feita com caldo de galinha.

The coxinha dough is made with chicken broth.

Passive voice 'é feita'.

Eu sempre tiro a pontinha da coxinha primeiro.

I always take off the tip of the coxinha first.

Diminutive 'pontinha'.

Se você for ao Brasil, precisa provar a coxinha.

If you go to Brazil, you need to taste the coxinha.

Future subjunctive 'for'.

A coxinha de jaca é uma ótima opção para vegetarianos.

The jackfruit coxinha is a great option for vegetarians.

Compound noun 'coxinha de jaca'.

Dizem que a coxinha foi inventada no século XIX.

They say the coxinha was invented in the 19th century.

Indefinite subject 'dizem'.

A coxinha ficou muito oleosa desta vez.

The coxinha turned out very oily this time.

Verb 'ficar' meaning 'to become/turn out'.

Prefiro a coxinha pequena de festa do que a grande.

I prefer the small party coxinha over the large one.

Comparison 'do que'.

Ele é um pouco coxinha, sempre segue todas as regras.

He is a bit of a 'coxinha', he always follows all the rules.

Slang usage as a personal descriptor.

O termo 'coxinha' ganhou um novo significado político.

The term 'coxinha' gained a new political meaning.

Abstract usage of the noun.

A coxinha gourmet pode ter recheios inusitados.

The gourmet coxinha can have unusual fillings.

Adjective 'inusitados' (unusual).

Não aguento mais esse papo de coxinha e mortadela.

I can't stand this 'coxinha' and 'mortadela' talk anymore.

Idiomatic expression 'não aguento mais'.

A textura da coxinha deve ser crocante por fora e macia por dentro.

The texture of the coxinha should be crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Use of 'deve ser'.

Muitas padarias em São Paulo disputam o título de melhor coxinha.

Many bakeries in São Paulo compete for the title of best coxinha.

Verb 'disputar'.

A coxinha é o símbolo máximo da comida de rua brasileira.

The coxinha is the ultimate symbol of Brazilian street food.

Superlative 'símbolo máximo'.

Ela se vestiu de forma bem coxinha para a entrevista.

She dressed in a very 'coxinha' way for the interview.

Adverbial usage 'de forma'.

A gentrificação transformou a coxinha em um item de luxo em certos bairros.

Gentrification turned the coxinha into a luxury item in certain neighborhoods.

Complex social vocabulary.

O estereótipo do coxinha paulistano é amplamente difundido na internet.

The stereotype of the São Paulo 'coxinha' is widely spread on the internet.

Noun phrase with adjectives.

É fascinante como um salgado se tornou um marcador social tão forte.

It is fascinating how a snack became such a strong social marker.

Exclamatory structure with 'como'.

A receita tradicional de coxinha exige técnica para não desmanchar na fritura.

The traditional coxinha recipe requires technique so it doesn't fall apart during frying.

Subjunctive 'desmanchar' after 'para que'.

O debate político brasileiro foi reduzido a rótulos como 'coxinha'.

The Brazilian political debate was reduced to labels like 'coxinha'.

Passive voice 'foi reduzido'.

Existem variações regionais que desafiam a hegemonia da coxinha de frango.

There are regional variations that challenge the hegemony of the chicken coxinha.

Relative clause with 'que'.

A coxinha é onipresente, desde botecos até recepções diplomáticas.

The coxinha is omnipresent, from dive bars to diplomatic receptions.

Adjective 'onipresente'.

Apropriaram-se do termo 'coxinha' como forma de resistência ou deboche.

They appropriated the term 'coxinha' as a form of resistance or mockery.

Reflexive 'apropriaram-se'.

A semiologia da coxinha revela as tensões de classe inerentes à sociedade brasileira.

The semiology of the coxinha reveals the class tensions inherent in Brazilian society.

Highly formal academic vocabulary.

A lenda da origem da coxinha na Fazenda Morro Azul é um marco do folclore culinário.

The legend of the coxinha's origin at Morro Azul Farm is a landmark of culinary folklore.

Complex noun phrases.

Houve uma saturação do termo 'coxinha' no discurso público contemporâneo.

There was a saturation of the term 'coxinha' in contemporary public discourse.

Impersonal 'houve'.

A perfeição técnica de uma coxinha reside no equilíbrio entre a crocância da crosta e a umidade do recheio.

The technical perfection of a coxinha lies in the balance between the crunchiness of the crust and the moisture of the filling.

Precise descriptive language.

Subverter a forma da coxinha é visto por alguns puristas como um sacrilégio gastronômico.

Subverting the shape of the coxinha is seen by some purists as a gastronomic sacrilege.

Infinitive as subject.

O fenômeno das 'coxinhas gigantes' reflete uma tendência de espetacularização do consumo.

The phenomenon of 'giant coxinhas' reflects a trend of spectacularization of consumption.

Sociological terminology.

A coxinha transcende sua materialidade para se tornar um ícone da identidade nacional.

The coxinha transcends its materiality to become an icon of national identity.

Philosophical phrasing.

Analisar o léxico dos salgadinhos permite vislumbrar a rica tapeçaria cultural do Brasil.

Analyzing the lexicon of snacks allows a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Brazil.

Complex verbal structure.

Collocations courantes

Coxinha de frango

Com catupiry

Cento de coxinhas

Coxinha de festa

Massa de coxinha

Fritar a coxinha

Coxinha gourmet

Papo de coxinha

Estilo coxinha

Coxinha de jaca

Phrases Courantes

Me dá uma coxinha.

— A standard way to order a coxinha at a counter.

Me dá uma coxinha e um café, por favor.

Coxinha e Guaraná.

— The classic Brazilian snack combination.

Nada melhor que coxinha e guaraná no lanche.

Cadê a coxinha?

— Where is the coxinha? (Often said at parties).

A festa começou, mas cadê a coxinha?

A melhor coxinha da cidade.

— A common claim by bakeries to attract customers.

Esta padaria tem a melhor coxinha da cidade.

Coxinha de rodoviária.

— Refers to large, often lower-quality but filling coxinhas found at bus stations.

Essa coxinha de rodoviária é enorme!

Sair para comer uma coxinha.

— To go out for a quick, informal snack.

Vamos sair para comer uma coxinha depois da aula?

Coxinha bem sequinha.

— A coxinha that isn't greasy (highly desirable).

Eu gosto da coxinha bem sequinha e crocante.

Recheio de coxinha.

— Refers to the shredded chicken mixture inside.

O recheio de coxinha dela é muito temperado.

Modelar a coxinha.

— The act of shaping the dough into its teardrop form.

É difícil aprender a modelar a coxinha.

Festa sem coxinha não é festa.

— A common cultural saying emphasizing the snack's importance.

Pode ter tudo, mas festa sem coxinha não é festa.

Souvent confondu avec

coxinha vs Cozinha

Means 'kitchen'. Pronounced with a 'z' sound instead of 'sh'.

coxinha vs Coxa

Means 'thigh'. The base word for coxinha.

coxinha vs Salgadinho

A generic term for all savory snacks, of which coxinha is one.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Ser um coxinha"

— To be a conventional, boring, or rule-following person.

Ele não quer ir à festa porque é um coxinha.

Informal Slang

"Coxinha vs Mortadela"

— Representing the political divide in Brazil (Right vs Left).

A internet está dividida entre coxinhas e mortadelas.

Informal Slang/Political

"Papo de coxinha"

— Superficial or conservative conversation.

Não aguento esse papo de coxinha sobre o trânsito.

Informal Slang

"Cara de coxinha"

— Having a clean-cut, conventional appearance.

Ele tem uma cara de coxinha com esse cabelo penteado.

Informal Slang

"Coxinha de jaca"

— Sometimes used to refer to something 'fake' or a vegetarian alternative.

Essa sua ideia é uma coxinha de jaca.

Informal

"Dar uma de coxinha"

— To act in a very conventional or rule-abiding way suddenly.

Ele deu uma de coxinha e não quis atravessar fora da faixa.

Informal Slang

"Massa de coxinha"

— Used to describe something that is easily moldable or lacks substance (rare).

Esse argumento é mole como massa de coxinha.

Informal

"Vender coxinha"

— Used as a metaphor for a small, humble business.

Se tudo der errado, vou vender coxinha na praia.

Informal

"Cair como uma coxinha"

— To fall or land heavily (humorous and rare).

Ele tropeçou e caiu como uma coxinha no chão.

Humorous

"Coxinha de ouro"

— Something that is overpriced for what it is.

Pagar dez reais por isso? É uma coxinha de ouro!

Informal

Facile à confondre

coxinha vs Empada

Both are savory snacks.

Empada is a baked pie; coxinha is a fried dough snack.

Eu quero uma empada de palmito.

coxinha vs Quibe

Both are fried snacks found in the same places.

Quibe is made of bulgur wheat and meat; coxinha is wheat flour and chicken.

O quibe é frito, mas não tem massa de farinha.

coxinha vs Rissole

Both are fried dough snacks.

Rissole is half-moon shaped; coxinha is teardrop shaped.

O rissole de presunto e queijo é ótimo.

coxinha vs Enroladinho

Both use similar dough.

Enroladinho is wrapped around a sausage; coxinha is filled with shredded meat.

O enroladinho de salsicha é para as crianças.

coxinha vs Pastel

The other king of Brazilian street food.

Pastel is a thin, crispy fried pastry; coxinha is a thick, doughy snack.

Vou comer um pastel de carne na feira.

Structures de phrases

Eu quero [quantidade] coxinha(s).

Eu quero uma coxinha.

A coxinha é de [recheio].

A coxinha é de frango.

Eu prefiro coxinha com [ingrediente].

Eu prefiro coxinha com catupiry.

Não pode faltar coxinha em [evento].

Não pode faltar coxinha em festa.

Ele é muito [gíria] para fazer isso.

Ele é muito coxinha para fazer isso.

A coxinha está [estado].

A coxinha está crocante.

O termo coxinha refere-se a [conceito].

O termo coxinha refere-se a um estilo de vida.

A coxinha personifica a [abstração].

A coxinha personifica a alma da gastronomia popular.

Famille de mots

Noms

coxa (thigh)

coxão (big thigh)

coxinha (little thigh/snack)

Verbes

encoxar (slang: to press against someone - unrelated to the snack but same root)

Adjectifs

acoxado (pressed/tight)

Apparenté

salgadinho

empada

quibe

fritura

lanchonete

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely High in Brazil.

Erreurs courantes

O coxinha → A coxinha
Coxinha is a feminine noun because it ends in 'a'.
Cozinha → Coxinha
Don't confuse the snack with the kitchen. 'X' = 'sh', 'Z' = 'z'.
Coxinha de carne → Coxinha de frango
While other fillings exist, the traditional coxinha is always chicken. A meat one is usually a 'croquete' or 'quibe'.
Pronouncing 'nh' as 'n-h' → Pronouncing 'nh' as 'ny'
It's a single palatal sound, not two separate letters.
Calling everyone a coxinha → Using it only for conservative/square people
It's a specific social label, not a generic word for 'person'.

Astuces

The First Bite

Most Brazilians start eating a coxinha from the pointed top. It's the 'correct' way to handle the shape!

Watch the 'X'

Remember the 'x' is always 'sh'. If you say 'co-ks-inha', nobody will understand you.

Party Etiquette

At a party, coxinhas are often served on a large tray. It's perfectly fine to take two or three at a time.

Catupiry is Key

If you see 'com catupiry', buy it. It makes the filling much creamier and more delicious.

Gender Matters

Always treat 'coxinha' as feminine. 'A coxinha', 'Minha coxinha', 'Uma coxinha'.

Political Context

Be careful using 'coxinha' in political debates unless you want to sound biased or provocative.

Buying in Bulk

If you need them for a party, ask for a 'cento' (one hundred). It's the standard unit for mini coxinhas.

Nasal 'nh'

Ensure the 'nh' sound goes slightly through your nose. It's a hallmark of Portuguese.

Royal Origins

Tell the story of Princess Isabel's son to impress your Brazilian friends with your cultural knowledge.

Roadside Snacks

The best coxinhas are often found at 'paradas de estrada' (roadside stops) during long bus trips.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'COach' eating a 'SHIny' snack in a 'NYA' (new) way. CO-XIN-HA.

Association visuelle

Visualize a golden teardrop. It looks like a chicken drumstick (thigh). Little thigh = Coxinha.

Word Web

frango fritura salgadinho padaria catupiry festa lanche crocante

Défi

Go to a Brazilian bakery and order a 'coxinha de frango'. Try to use the 'sh' and 'ny' sounds perfectly!

Origine du mot

The word 'coxinha' is the diminutive of 'coxa' (thigh), coming from the Latin 'coxa'. It refers to the shape of the snack, which was originally made to resemble a chicken thigh.

Sens originel : Little thigh.

Romance (Portuguese).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'coxinha' as slang for a person, as it can be derogatory depending on the tone.

The closest equivalent in English-speaking cultures might be a 'chicken croquette', but the shape and cultural ubiquity are unique to Brazil.

The 'Coxinha' character in Brazilian comedy shows. The 'Rei da Coxinha' (King of Coxinha) - a famous roadside restaurant chain. Political memes during the 2014-2016 Brazilian protests.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a bakery (Padaria)

Uma coxinha, por favor.
Está quentinha?
É de frango?
Quanto é?

At a birthday party

Passa a coxinha.
Eu amo coxinha de festa.
Tem mais coxinha?
Quem fez as coxinhas?

Discussing politics/social behavior

Ele é muito coxinha.
Papo de coxinha.
Estilo coxinha.
Não seja coxinha.

Cooking

Como faz a massa?
O recheio está bom.
Frite em óleo quente.
Modele em formato de gota.

Traveling

Parada para a coxinha.
Coxinha de rodoviária.
Melhor coxinha da estrada.
Vou comprar uma coxinha para o caminho.

Amorces de conversation

"Você prefere coxinha com ou sem catupiry?"

"Qual é a melhor padaria para comer coxinha aqui perto?"

"Você já tentou fazer coxinha em casa?"

"O que você acha do termo 'coxinha' usado para pessoas?"

"Quantas coxinhas você consegue comer de uma vez?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva a sua primeira experiência comendo uma coxinha brasileira.

Você acha que a coxinha é o melhor salgado do Brasil? Por quê?

Escreva sobre uma pessoa que você conhece que poderia ser chamada de 'coxinha'.

Se você criasse uma coxinha gourmet, qual seria o recheio?

Explique a importância da coxinha nas festas de aniversário brasileiras.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

The most traditional filling is seasoned shredded chicken. Many people also add 'catupiry', which is a creamy Brazilian processed cheese.

Since it is deep-fried and made with white flour dough, it is considered a treat rather than a healthy meal. However, it is very satisfying!

Yes! In Brazil, you can find coxinhas filled with hearts of palm (palmito), cheese, or even shredded jackfruit (jaca) as a vegan option.

The shape is meant to mimic a chicken drumstick (thigh), hence the name 'coxinha' (little thigh).

It can be. In a social or political context, calling someone a 'coxinha' implies they are boring, conservative, or overly concerned with rules and status.

It's a nasal sound. Place the middle of your tongue against the roof of your mouth. It sounds like 'ny' in 'canyon'.

The most classic pairing is a Guaraná Antarctica (Brazilian soda) or a fresh orange juice.

Any 'padaria' (bakery), 'lanchonete' (snack bar), or 'boteco' (bar) in Brazil will have them.

Yes, some places in Brazil are famous for making coxinhas that weigh 1kg or more as a challenge!

You can, but it won't be a traditional coxinha. The frying gives it the iconic crunchy exterior and soft interior.

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