começar feito louco
começar like crazy
Literally: {"come\u00e7ar":"to start","feito":"done \/ made \/ like","louco":"crazy"}
In 15 Seconds
- Starts an activity with intense energy.
- Implies speed, enthusiasm, or a rush.
- Best for the initial phase of something.
- Use in casual conversations, not formal settings.
Meaning
Imagine you've got a massive project due tomorrow, or you're just super hyped for a new game. `Começar feito louco` is that burst of frantic energy you unleash to get things going, like a rocket launching off the pad! It's about diving into something with wild enthusiasm and speed, often because there's a lot to do or you're just bursting with excitement.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a new project
Cara, o novo projeto na firma começou feito louco! Muita coisa pra fazer.
Man, the new project at the firm started like crazy! Lots to do.
Instagram caption for a workout
Segunda-feira! Bora começar a semana feito louca na academia! 💪 #fitnessmotivation
Monday! Let's start the week like crazy at the gym! 💪 #fitnessmotivation
Talking about a new hobby
Quando comecei a pintar, foi feito louco. Comprei mil tintas e telas!
When I started painting, it was like crazy. I bought a thousand paints and canvases!
Cultural Background
This idiom likely stems from a cultural appreciation for dynamism and a certain flair in action. Brazil, in particular, often celebrates energy and passion. The phrase captures a common human tendency to either dive headfirst into tasks with gusto or to be overwhelmed and react with frantic energy. It reflects a society that values spirited expression and sometimes embraces a bit of enthusiastic chaos, especially at the beginning of endeavors.
Focus on the 'Start'
Remember, `começar feito louco` is all about the **beginning**! It’s the initial explosion of energy, not how you continue. Think launch sequence, not the whole flight.
Avoid Formal Settings
This phrase is super informal! Using it in a job interview or a formal email would be like wearing pajamas to a wedding – a bit awkward and definitely out of place.
In 15 Seconds
- Starts an activity with intense energy.
- Implies speed, enthusiasm, or a rush.
- Best for the initial phase of something.
- Use in casual conversations, not formal settings.
What It Means
Ever felt that urge to just GO when starting something new? That's começar feito louco! It means to begin an activity with extreme energy, speed, or intensity. Think of it as launching into something at full throttle, no holding back. You're not just starting; you're exploding into action! It captures that initial, often chaotic, burst of effort when you're super motivated or under pressure. It’s that moment you hit the ground running, maybe a little wild, but definitely full of gusto. It’s like a sprinter exploding out of the starting blocks – pure, unadulterated energy from the get-go.
Origin Story
The exact origin is a bit fuzzy, like a poorly focused selfie, but the imagery is powerful. Feito louco (like crazy) is a common way to describe actions done with extreme, uncontrolled energy. Think of old cartoons where characters would suddenly go into overdrive, a blur of motion. This phrase likely emerged from everyday observations of people tackling tasks with a sudden, almost manic, burst of activity. Perhaps it was first used to describe someone rushing to finish a job before a deadline, or a farmer suddenly planting seeds when the weather turned perfect. It's folk wisdom, capturing a universal human experience of intense beginnings. It paints a vivid picture, doesn't it? Like a caffeinated squirrel!
How To Use It
Use começar feito louco when you want to emphasize the *intensity* of the start. It's perfect for describing the initial phase of a project, a workout, a party, or even a big cleaning session. You can use it to describe your own actions or someone else's. It works best when the beginning is noticeably fast-paced and energetic. It’s like saying, "Wow, they really went for it right from the start!" It’s not just about starting; it’s about *how* you start. Think of it as adding a splash of vibrant color to your description of the beginning.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're starting a new fitness routine. You might tell your friend, "Eu comecei a academia feito louca esta semana!" (I started the gym like crazy this week!). Or maybe you're launching a new product. The team lead could say, "Precisamos começar o marketing feito louco para alcançar as metas." (We need to start the marketing like crazy to reach the goals). It fits when you're diving headfirst into something. It’s that initial surge of adrenaline. It’s the feeling of "Let’s do this!" amplified. You can also use it for something fun, like a party: "A festa começou feita louca, todo mundo dançando logo de cara." (The party started like crazy, everyone dancing right from the start.)
When To Use It
This phrase shines when describing the *initial burst* of an activity. It's great for new projects, intense workouts, spontaneous trips, or even sudden bursts of creativity. Use it when the start is marked by high energy, speed, or a slightly chaotic enthusiasm. Think of the first day of a big sale, or launching a new app. It captures that "all systems go" feeling. It's the sound of the starting pistol firing. It’s ideal for situations where the beginning is the most notable part for its sheer intensity. Use it when you want to convey excitement and rapid progress right out of the gate.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid começar feito louco for activities that start slowly and deliberately. If you're carefully planning a wedding or easing into a meditation session, this phrase won't fit. It’s also not appropriate for describing gradual progress or a calm, measured start. Don't use it in very formal settings, like a board meeting where you're presenting a cautious business plan. It sounds too wild for that. It’s like trying to wear flip-flops to a black-tie gala – just doesn't match the vibe. It implies a lack of control or planning, which isn't always desirable.
Common Mistakes
A common slip-up is using it too late in the activity. Remember, it's about the *start*. Saying "Eu corri feito louca na maratona" might imply you started the *entire* marathon chaotically, not just the first mile. Also, confusing it with just being generally busy isn't quite right. It needs that initial explosion of energy. It’s specifically about the *beginning* phase. Think of it as the launch sequence, not the whole flight. It’s a common pitfall for learners, like mixing up ser and estar – happens to the best of us!
Similar Expressions
In Portuguese, you might hear começar com tudo (start with everything/all out), which is very similar and often interchangeable. Entrar com o pé direito (enter with the right foot) means starting well, but it's more about good luck and a positive omen, not necessarily speed. Arrebentar (to break/smash it) can mean to do something incredibly well, sometimes implying a strong start. In English, "hit the ground running" is a close cousin. "Go off like a rocket" also captures that explosive start. It’s like a family of idioms, all related but with their own quirks.
Memory Trick
Picture a locomotive começaring its journey. A loco-motive is powerful and fast, right? So, começar feito louco is like a train leaving the station at full speed – a powerful, energetic start. Imagine the steam and the whistle blowing as it pulls away. That's the image to keep in mind: a powerful, fast, slightly wild beginning. It’s a visual cue for that initial burst of energy. Think of that train chugging along, full of steam and ready to conquer the tracks!
Quick FAQ
Q. Is it always about being stressed?
A. Not at all! While stress can fuel it, começar feito louco can also come from pure excitement or enthusiasm. Think of starting a vacation or a fun project – that's excitement, not stress!
Q. Can I use it for a slow start?
A. Definitely not. The core of this phrase is the *initial speed* and *intensity*. A slow, methodical start is the opposite of começar feito louco.
Usage Notes
This is a highly informal idiom, best reserved for casual conversations among friends or in contexts where a lively, energetic start is being described with enthusiasm. Avoid it in formal writing or professional settings, where it could sound out of place or even unprofessional. The key is the initial burst of energy, not sustained effort.
Focus on the 'Start'
Remember, `começar feito louco` is all about the **beginning**! It’s the initial explosion of energy, not how you continue. Think launch sequence, not the whole flight.
Avoid Formal Settings
This phrase is super informal! Using it in a job interview or a formal email would be like wearing pajamas to a wedding – a bit awkward and definitely out of place.
Energy is Key
The core of this idiom is **energy** and **speed**. Whether it's excitement, urgency, or even a bit of panic, the feeling is one of intense, rapid action right from the start.
A Flair for the Dramatic?
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, there's often an appreciation for expressive language and dynamic action. This phrase fits perfectly, adding a vivid, almost theatrical, flair to describing an energetic start.
Examples
12Cara, o novo projeto na firma começou feito louco! Muita coisa pra fazer.
Man, the new project at the firm started like crazy! Lots to do.
Emphasizes the overwhelming and fast-paced nature of the project's beginning.
Segunda-feira! Bora começar a semana feito louca na academia! 💪 #fitnessmotivation
Monday! Let's start the week like crazy at the gym! 💪 #fitnessmotivation
Shows enthusiastic and energetic commitment to the workout routine from the start.
Quando comecei a pintar, foi feito louco. Comprei mil tintas e telas!
When I started painting, it was like crazy. I bought a thousand paints and canvases!
Highlights the initial overwhelming enthusiasm and rapid investment in the new hobby.
A festa ontem começou feita louca, nem deu tempo de respirar!
The party yesterday started like crazy, we didn't even have time to breathe!
Captures the immediate high energy and activity level of the party from its beginning.
Na fase inicial do projeto X, tivemos que começar feito louco para cumprir o prazo apertado.
In the initial phase of project X, we had to start like crazy to meet the tight deadline.
Used professionally to describe a high-pressure, fast-paced start to a project.
A Black Friday aqui em casa começou feita louca, já fiz um monte de compras online!
Black Friday here at home started like crazy, I've already made a bunch of online purchases!
Relatable modern context of immediate, enthusiastic participation in a shopping event.
✗ Eu trabalho feito louco todos os dias. → ✓ Eu trabalho muito todos os dias.
✗ I work like crazy every day. → ✓ I work a lot every day.
The phrase implies an intense *start*, not continuous hard work. 'Trabalho muito' is more appropriate for general busyness.
✗ O curso começou feito louco, com aulas bem devagar. → ✓ O curso começou devagar, com aulas bem tranquilas.
✗ The course started like crazy, with very slow classes. → ✓ The course started slowly, with very calm classes.
Contradicts the meaning of speed and intensity associated with the phrase.
E aí, galera! Bem-vindos a Tóquio! Vamos começar feito louco explorando Shibuya agora mesmo!
Hey guys! Welcome to Tokyo! Let's start like crazy exploring Shibuya right now!
Injects energy and excitement into the video's opening.
Quando o bebê nasceu, a vida da gente começou feita louca, mas cheia de amor.
When the baby was born, our life started like crazy, but full of love.
Describes the immediate, overwhelming, and life-altering change after a significant event.
O lançamento do jogo foi épico! Começou feito louco com milhões de jogadores online.
The game launch was epic! It started like crazy with millions of players online.
Highlights the massive, immediate influx of activity and excitement.
Assim que o bug foi reportado, começamos feito loucos para achar a solução.
As soon as the bug was reported, we started like crazy to find the solution.
Shows urgency and rapid action in a professional, problem-solving scenario.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
The sentence describes something happening fast, so 'começou feito louco' (started like crazy) is the best fit.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While 'começar feito louco' means starting intensely, it usually describes the initial burst. Saying it 'started like crazy and ended calm' is a bit redundant and less natural than saying it started 'agitada' (hectic/lively) and ended calm.
Choose the sentence that uses 'começar feito louco' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
This option correctly shows someone starting to study with intense energy, fitting the idiom's meaning.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese.
This translates the idea of a rushed, intense start to meet a deadline using the target idiom.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
The context of an alarm ringing implies a sudden, rushed, and energetic start to getting ready.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
'Começar feito louco' implies a burst of energy or speed, not gradual growth. 'A crescer muito' (to grow a lot) is more appropriate for plant growth.
Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
A nova série da Netflix ____ ____ ____, todos estão falando dela!
The phrase 'começou feito louca' fits the context of a popular series starting with a lot of buzz and attention.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese.
This correctly uses the idiom to describe an intensely energetic start to the marathon.
Put the words in the correct order.
This reordering forms a grammatically correct sentence using the idiom to describe the start of the work.
Match the Portuguese phrase with its closest meaning.
This exercise helps differentiate 'começar feito louco' from similar phrases by matching them to specific nuances.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
The context of a promotion suggests customers would rush in with high energy and speed, fitting the idiom.
Choose the sentence that uses 'começar feito louco' correctly in a professional context.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?
This sentence correctly describes the urgent and intense start of a recovery project, fitting a professional context.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum: Começar Feito Louco
Use with close friends, family, or in very casual online chats.
A festa começou feita louca!
Common in everyday conversations, social media posts, and informal emails.
Comecei a estudar feito louco para a prova.
Rarely used in neutral contexts; sounds too casual.
O projeto começou com muita energia.
Never appropriate for formal settings like business reports or academic papers.
Iniciamos as atividades com grande ímpeto.
Situations for 'Começar Feito Louco'
New Project Kick-off
O projeto começou feito louco!
Intense Workout Session
Comecei a academia feito louco.
Sudden Cleaning Spree
Limpei a casa feita louca!
Exciting Game Launch
O jogo começou feito louco.
Busy Shopping Event
A promoção começou feita louca.
Spontaneous Trip Planning
Planejamos a viagem feita louca.
Comparing 'Começar Feito Louco' with Similar Phrases
Usage Scenarios for 'Começar Feito Louco'
Work/Projects
- • Kick-off meeting
- • Deadline rush
- • New venture launch
Personal Life
- • Cleaning frenzy
- • Sudden hobby
- • Party prep
Fitness/Sports
- • First gym session
- • Race start
- • Intense training
Online/Digital
- • Gaming session start
- • App launch
- • Viral trend participation
Practice Bank
12 exercisesO projeto novo ____ ____ ____, muita coisa aconteceu rápido!
The sentence describes something happening fast, so 'começou feito louco' (started like crazy) is the best fit.
Find and fix the mistake:
A festa começou feita louca e terminou calma.
While 'começar feito louco' means starting intensely, it usually describes the initial burst. Saying it 'started like crazy and ended calm' is a bit redundant and less natural than saying it started 'agitada' (hectic/lively) and ended calm.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
This option correctly shows someone starting to study with intense energy, fitting the idiom's meaning.
We had to start like crazy to finish on time.
Hints: Use 'começar feito louco' for 'start like crazy'., 'Tivemos que' means 'we had to'.
This translates the idea of a rushed, intense start to meet a deadline using the target idiom.
Quando o alarme tocou, ele ____ ____ ____ para sair de casa.
The context of an alarm ringing implies a sudden, rushed, and energetic start to getting ready.
Find and fix the mistake:
O jardim começou feito louco a crescer durante o inverno.
'Começar feito louco' implies a burst of energy or speed, not gradual growth. 'A crescer muito' (to grow a lot) is more appropriate for plant growth.
A nova série da Netflix ____ ____ ____, todos estão falando dela!
The phrase 'começou feito louca' fits the context of a popular series starting with a lot of buzz and attention.
She started the marathon like crazy!
Hints: Use 'feita louca' for 'like crazy'., 'Ela' is 'She'.
This correctly uses the idiom to describe an intensely energetic start to the marathon.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This reordering forms a grammatically correct sentence using the idiom to describe the start of the work.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This exercise helps differentiate 'começar feito louco' from similar phrases by matching them to specific nuances.
Assim que a promoção começou, os clientes ____ ____ ____ na loja.
The context of a promotion suggests customers would rush in with high energy and speed, fitting the idiom.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?
This sentence correctly describes the urgent and intense start of a recovery project, fitting a professional context.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsLiterally, it translates to 'to start done crazy' or 'to start like crazy'. The word 'feito' here acts like 'like' or 'as', comparing the manner of starting to that of a crazy person or action. It sets up the expectation of wild, unrestrained energy from the very beginning.
Not at all! While it can describe starting due to stress or panic, it's often used for positive excitement too. Think of starting a fun project or a party with tons of energy – that's a great way to 'começar feito louco'!
The absolute best time is when describing the initial moments of an activity. It captures that first burst of speed, enthusiasm, or even chaos. It's perfect for new projects, the start of a workout, or the beginning of a lively event.
No, that's a common mistake. This phrase specifically refers to the *start* of something. If someone is busy all the time, you'd say they 'trabalham muito' (work a lot) or 'estão sempre ocupados' (are always busy), not that they 'começam feito louco' in general.
'Começar feito louco' emphasizes wild energy and perhaps a lack of initial control, like a sudden explosion. 'Começar com tudo', on the other hand, means starting with full effort and determination, implying a more controlled, albeit intense, application of all resources from the outset.
Yes, 'começar feito louco' is understood and used in Portugal, although perhaps slightly less common than in Brazil. It carries the same meaning of starting with intense, perhaps uncontrolled, energy. You might also hear variations or similar expressions depending on the region.
They are very similar! 'Hit the ground running' implies starting a new role or activity with great energy and efficiency from the very beginning, without needing time to warm up. 'Começar feito louco' captures that same initial burst of intense activity, sometimes with a bit more emphasis on the 'crazy' or chaotic energy.
If your start is energetic and focused, but not 'crazy' or chaotic, you might prefer 'começar com tudo' (start with everything) or simply say you 'começou com muita energia' (started with a lot of energy). 'Feito louco' really implies that wild, high-speed element.
Absolutely! While it can describe physical actions like running or cleaning, it's also perfect for mental or project-based activities. For example, you could 'começar feito louco' planning an event, writing a book, or even studying for a tough exam, if you dive in with intense focus and energy right away.
Yes, there's definitely a risk. Because it's so informal and implies a 'crazy' start, it's best avoided in formal business communication, professional reports, or serious academic settings. Stick to more neutral terms like 'iniciar com intensidade' (start with intensity) in those contexts.
A frequent error is using it to describe something that is simply difficult or takes a long time. 'Começar feito louco' is about the *initial burst* of energy and speed, not the overall challenge or duration of the task. It's the launch, not the entire journey.
You conjugate the verb 'começar' and keep 'feito louco' (or 'feita louca' for feminine subjects) as an adverbial phrase. For example: 'Eu comecei feito louco' (I started like crazy), 'Ela começou feita louca' (She started like crazy), 'Nós começamos feitos loucos' (We started like crazy).
Yes, 'feito louco' can sometimes be used alone to describe an action done wildly or intensely, like 'Ele agiu feito louco' (He acted like crazy). However, when specifically talking about the beginning of something, 'começar feito louco' is the standard idiomatic phrase.
It conveys a sense of urgency, excitement, high energy, and sometimes a bit of chaos or lack of control. It's a dynamic and vivid way to describe the initial phase of an action-packed endeavor.
Yes! The opposite would be 'começar devagar' (start slowly), 'começar com calma' (start calmly), or 'começar aos poucos' (start little by little). These phrases describe a gradual, unhurried beginning, contrasting sharply with the intensity of 'começar feito louco'.
Definitely! Authors often use vivid idioms like 'começar feito louco' to add personality and energy to their descriptions, especially in dialogue or narrative passages aiming for a dynamic feel. It makes the writing more engaging and relatable.
If you're unsure, it's safer to use a less intense phrase. You could say 'começou com muita energia' (started with a lot of energy) or 'teve um início rápido' (had a fast start). Using 'feito louco' when the start wasn't really that intense might sound like an exaggeration.
Yes, it does! If the subject starting the action is masculine or plural masculine, you use 'loucos'. If the subject is feminine or plural feminine, you use 'loucas'. For example: 'Ele começou feito louco' (He started like crazy), 'Ela começou feita louca' (She started like crazy), 'Eles começaram feitos loucos' (They [m] started like crazy), 'Elas começaram feitas loucas' (They [f] started like crazy).
Related Phrases
começar com tudo
synonymto start with everything / all out
Both phrases describe starting an activity with great energy and intensity, though 'começar feito louco' often implies a bit more wildness or chaos.
entrar com o pé direito
related topicto enter with the right foot / to start off on the right foot
This phrase also describes a good start, but focuses more on luck and auspiciousness rather than sheer energy or speed.
começar do zero
antonymto start from zero / from scratch
This implies starting with nothing and building up slowly, the complete opposite of the explosive beginning described by 'começar feito louco'.
ir com calma
antonymto go calmly / to take it easy
This phrase suggests a slow, relaxed pace, directly contrasting with the high-speed, intense nature of 'começar feito louco'.
dar um gás
related topicto give a boost / to speed up
While 'dar um gás' is about increasing energy or speed during an activity, 'começar feito louco' specifically refers to the initial burst of that energy.
agir descontroladamente
related topicto act uncontrollably
This phrase describes the *manner* of action, which is often implied in 'começar feito louco', but 'começar feito louco' is specifically about the beginning phase.
