In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe being in a bad or grumpy mood.
- A very common informal expression used throughout Portugal.
- Uses the temporary verb 'estar' for a passing feeling.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe someone who is in a foul mood, grumpy, or easily irritated. It is like saying someone 'woke up on the wrong side of the bed' or is currently 'salty'.
Key Examples
3 of 6Waking up tired
Não me falem agora, estou com os azeites.
Don't talk to me now, I'm in a bad mood.
Observing a grumpy colleague
O chefe hoje parece estar com os azeites.
The boss seems to be in a foul mood today.
Texting a friend after a bad day
Desculpa a resposta curta, estou com os azeites hoje.
Sorry for the short reply, I'm really grumpy today.
Cultural Background
Olive oil is so central to Portuguese life that it appears in many idioms. Being 'with the oils' is the most common way to describe grumpiness in Lisbon and Porto. While understood, Brazilians rarely use this. They prefer 'estar de ovo virado'. Using 'azeites' might make you sound very European. As a major oil-producing region, the phrase has even more resonance here. It's often used with a very specific, slow intonation. In these Lusophone African countries, the phrase is less common, with local slang for 'bad mood' taking precedence, though it is understood by older generations.
Use it with 'hoje'
Adding 'hoje' (today) makes it sound more natural, as it emphasizes the temporary nature of the mood.
Not for Brazil
If you are in São Paulo or Rio, use 'estar de ovo virado' instead to sound more local.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe being in a bad or grumpy mood.
- A very common informal expression used throughout Portugal.
- Uses the temporary verb 'estar' for a passing feeling.
What It Means
Imagine someone who is suddenly slippery, bitter, or just plain difficult to deal with. That is estar com os azeites. It describes a temporary state of irritability. You are not a mean person; you are just having a bad day. It is the perfect way to describe that 'don't talk to me before my coffee' feeling.
How To Use It
You use the verb estar because this mood is temporary. You do not 'have' the oils; you 'are with' them. Simply say Estou com os azeites when you feel grumpy. If a friend is snapping at everyone, you might whisper to someone else that they are com os azeites. It is punchy and very common in Portugal.
When To Use It
Use it when the vibe is off. Use it at breakfast when you are tired. Use it when your computer crashes for the third time. It is great for texting a friend to explain why you are being short. It works perfectly in casual offices among colleagues who are close. It adds a bit of flavor to your frustration.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal settings or with your boss. Do not use it during a serious performance review. It is too informal for a funeral or a court hearing. If someone is genuinely grieving, this phrase is too lighthearted. It implies a 'grumpy' mood, not deep emotional trauma. Keep it for the everyday annoyances.
Cultural Background
Portugal is the land of olive oil, or azeite. Historically, bad olive oil could turn bitter or acidic. Some say the phrase comes from the 'dregs' of the oil which were unpleasant. Others link it to the 'oil' in lamps that would sputter and smoke. Either way, it has been a staple of Portuguese slang for generations. It is a very 'Lisbon' way to complain.
Common Variations
You might hear estar com uma azeitice, though it is less common. Sometimes people just say que azeite! to describe something cringy or low-quality. However, for moods, estar com os azeites is the undisputed king. In Brazil, they might use estar virado no jirau, but in Portugal, stick to the oil!
Usage Notes
This is a B1 level idiom because it requires understanding the distinction between 'ser' and 'estar' and navigating informal social registers. It is most effective in spoken European Portuguese.
Use it with 'hoje'
Adding 'hoje' (today) makes it sound more natural, as it emphasizes the temporary nature of the mood.
Not for Brazil
If you are in São Paulo or Rio, use 'estar de ovo virado' instead to sound more local.
The 'Dar' Variation
Use 'Isto dá-me os azeites' to complain about annoying things like slow Wi-Fi.
Examples
6Não me falem agora, estou com os azeites.
Don't talk to me now, I'm in a bad mood.
A classic morning warning to family or roommates.
O chefe hoje parece estar com os azeites.
The boss seems to be in a foul mood today.
Used to warn others to stay away from a grumpy person.
Desculpa a resposta curta, estou com os azeites hoje.
Sorry for the short reply, I'm really grumpy today.
A polite way to excuse your own irritability via text.
O gato também está com os azeites? Ele nem me olhou!
Is the cat in a bad mood too? He didn't even look at me!
Applying the human idiom to a pet for comedic effect.
Eu sei que reagi mal, mas estava com os azeites.
I know I reacted badly, but I was in a bad mood.
Using the phrase to apologize for a past outburst.
Ignora o João, ele está com os azeites por causa do trânsito.
Ignore João, he's grumpy because of the traffic.
Explaining someone's mood to a group.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'estar'.
Eu não quero falar com ela agora porque ela ______ com os azeites.
We use 'estar' for temporary moods.
Which sentence is the most natural for a friend?
How do you tell a friend you are grumpy?
This is the standard informal idiom.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Your brother is complaining about his breakfast, his shoes, and the weather.
General grumpiness is the perfect context for this phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: O que se passa com o Pedro? B: Não sei, ele ______ com os azeites desde que acordou.
Present tense 'está' fits the context of 'since he woke up' (and still is).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu não quero falar com ela agora porque ela ______ com os azeites.
We use 'estar' for temporary moods.
How do you tell a friend you are grumpy?
This is the standard informal idiom.
Your brother is complaining about his breakfast, his shoes, and the weather.
General grumpiness is the perfect context for this phrase.
A: O que se passa com o Pedro? B: Não sei, ele ______ com os azeites desde que acordou.
Present tense 'está' fits the context of 'since he woke up' (and still is).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt can be slightly cheeky. It's better to use it *about* someone else rather than *to* their face unless you are very close friends.
It's possible and understood, but the plural 'os azeites' is much more idiomatic and common.
Not exactly. It's more like 'grumpy' or 'irritable'. 'Angry' would be 'irritado' or 'zangado'.
Because of the bitter dregs at the bottom of the oil vat, which represent a 'bitter' personality.
Related Phrases
estar de mau humor
synonymTo be in a bad mood
estar com a macaca
similarTo be restless or in a bad mood
estar de trombas
similarTo be sulking
dar os azeites
builds onTo make someone grumpy
