demais velho amigo

You use this phrase when introducing someone or reminiscing. You can say ele é um demais velho amigo or more commonly ele é um amigo velho demais. Note that in Portuguese, word order matters. Placing velho before amigo often sounds more poetic or emotional. If you say amigo velho, it sounds like a buddy. If you say velho amigo, it sounds like a lifelong companion. Adding demais just cranks that volume up to eleven.

Use it at a wedding when giving a toast. Use it when you run into someone you haven't seen since primary school. It is perfect for emotional reunions. You can also use it in a text message when you are feeling sentimental. It works beautifully when you want to show someone they are special. It tells them they aren't just a 'contact' in your phone.

Do not use this for someone you met last year. That would be confusing or sound sarcastic. Avoid using it in strictly cold business settings unless you actually have that history. Also, be careful with the word velho around people sensitive about their age. If you emphasize the 'old' part too much, they might think you are calling them ancient! Nobody wants to feel like a dusty relic at a party.

Brazilians and Portuguese people value long-term relationships and 'loyalty' highly. Friendship is often seen as an extension of the family. There is a famous song by Milton Nascimento that says 'any time is time to see an old friend.' This phrase taps into that collective nostalgia. It reflects a culture where people stay in touch for decades. It is about the 'saudade' of the years that have passed.

You might hear amigão for a 'big friend.' People also say amigo de infância for a childhood friend. If you want to be more casual, just use velho. In some regions, meu velho is a common way to address a close male friend. It’s like saying 'my man' or 'old chap.' Each variation carries a slightly different weight of intimacy.