Meaning
To ignore someone or give them the cold shoulder, showing disdain.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, social harmony is highly valued. 'Dar um gelo' is a common way to express anger without direct confrontation, which can be seen as too aggressive. While 'dar um gelo' is understood, the Portuguese often use 'fazer o gelo' or 'fazer orelhas moucas' (to make deaf ears). In Angolan Portuguese, slang like 'mudar de mambo' or 'dar banda' can sometimes overlap with the idea of ignoring or leaving someone behind. The idiom has evolved into 'dar um vácuo' in the age of smartphones, specifically referring to leaving someone without a reply on messaging apps.
Use with 'em'
Always remember the preposition 'em'. If you ignore 'him', it's 'nele' (em + ele). If you ignore 'her', it's 'nela' (em + ela).
Don't use at work
It's too informal for a professional environment. Use 'não responder' or 'ignorar' instead.
Meaning
To ignore someone or give them the cold shoulder, showing disdain.
Use with 'em'
Always remember the preposition 'em'. If you ignore 'him', it's 'nele' (em + ele). If you ignore 'her', it's 'nela' (em + ela).
Don't use at work
It's too informal for a professional environment. Use 'não responder' or 'ignorar' instead.
Levar um gelo
If you are the victim, use the verb 'levar' (to take/carry). 'Levei um gelo dela'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'dar' and the preposition.
Eu ______ um gelo ______ meu namorado ontem.
The past tense of 'dar' for 'Eu' is 'dei', and the preposition 'em' + 'o' (namorado) becomes 'no'.
Which of these situations best describes 'dar um gelo'?
O que significa 'dar um gelo'?
'Dar um gelo' is an idiom for intentionally ignoring someone.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Amigo A: 'A Paula não atende minhas ligações.' Amigo B: 'Ela está ______ um gelo em você.'
The verb used in this Brazilian idiom is 'dar' (dando).
Match the phrase to the most likely context.
Frase: 'Vou dar um gelo nele para ele aprender a me respeitar.'
The context of 'learning a lesson' or 'respect' implies the figurative use of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ um gelo ______ meu namorado ontem.
The past tense of 'dar' for 'Eu' is 'dei', and the preposition 'em' + 'o' (namorado) becomes 'no'.
O que significa 'dar um gelo'?
'Dar um gelo' is an idiom for intentionally ignoring someone.
Amigo A: 'A Paula não atende minhas ligações.' Amigo B: 'Ela está ______ um gelo em você.'
The verb used in this Brazilian idiom is 'dar' (dando).
Frase: 'Vou dar um gelo nele para ele aprender a me respeitar.'
The context of 'learning a lesson' or 'respect' implies the figurative use of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not a swear word, but the action itself is considered rude or passive-aggressive.
No, it is strictly for people or groups of people.
'Ignorar' is a general verb. 'Dar um gelo' is an idiom that implies a specific intent to punish or distance oneself.
It's 'eu dei', 'você deu', 'nós demos', 'eles deram'.
Yes, but 'fazer o gelo' is more common there.
No, that's a common mistake. Use 'nele' (em + ele).
Yes, but 'vácuo' is specifically for not replying to messages.
The concept is simple, but the conjugation of 'dar' can be tricky for beginners.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship. Otherwise, it's risky.
'Dar atenção' or 'quebrar o gelo'.
Related Phrases
Dar um vácuo
synonymTo leave someone on read/ignore a message.
Dar um perdido
similarTo ditch someone or disappear.
Fazer pouco caso
similarTo treat someone as unimportant.
Quebrar o gelo
contrastTo break the ice.
