In 15 Seconds
- Means to talk excessively.
- Literal translation: 'talk through the elbows'.
- Used informally for chatterboxes.
- Visual idiom for non-stop talking.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who just can't stop talking. Imagine a river of words flowing endlessly, sometimes about everything and nothing! It paints a picture of someone who is super chatty, perhaps a bit of a gossip, or just someone who gets really excited and lets it all out. It's usually said with a bit of playful exasperation, like 'Oh, there they go again!'
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a party
A festa estava ótima, mas a Joana `falou pelos cotovelos` a noite toda!
The party was great, but Joana talked non-stop all night!
At a café with a friend
Não consigo ter uma conversa normal com ele, ele `fala pelos cotovelos`!
I can't have a normal conversation with him, he talks your ear off!
Describing a family member
Minha tia adora contar histórias, ela sempre `fala pelos cotovelos` quando nos visita.
My aunt loves telling stories, she always talks a mile a minute when she visits us.
Cultural Background
This idiom likely emerged from folk wisdom, using a vivid physical image to describe a common human trait: excessive talking. Its existence highlights a cultural appreciation for descriptive language and perhaps a playful acceptance of talkative personalities. The phrase captures a relatable scenario, making it a staple in everyday Portuguese conversation for generations.
Visualize the Elbows!
Imagine words literally shooting out of someone's elbows. This silly image helps remember the 'excessive' part of the phrase. It's not just talking; it's overflowing!
A Playful Jab
In Portuguese culture, `falar pelos cotovelos` is often used with a wink and a smile. It's a way to affectionately tease someone known for their chattiness, showing acceptance of their personality.
In 15 Seconds
- Means to talk excessively.
- Literal translation: 'talk through the elbows'.
- Used informally for chatterboxes.
- Visual idiom for non-stop talking.
What It Means
This Portuguese idiom, falar pelos cotovelos, paints a vivid picture. It means to talk excessively, to chatter non-stop. Think of someone who dominates conversations. They might be excited, nervous, or just love the sound of their own voice. It’s like their words are bursting out from every part of them, even their elbows! It’s not usually malicious, just a description of a very talkative person.
Origin Story
The exact origin is a bit fuzzy, like trying to find a quiet spot in a crowded party! One popular theory links it to the physical act of speaking. When someone talks a lot, their arms might move expressively. Imagine someone gesturing wildly while talking, their elbows flailing a bit. It's as if the words are so numerous they're even coming out of their elbows! Another idea suggests it relates to the idea of overflowing. Like a vessel filled to the brim, the words spill out uncontrollably. It’s a wonderfully visual metaphor for someone who can’t seem to keep their mouth shut. It’s a classic example of Portuguese folk wisdom turning a physical image into a behavioral description. It’s much more colorful than just saying ‘talkative,’ right?
How To Use It
You use falar pelos cotovelos to describe someone who is very talkative. It's informal and usually said with a bit of humor. You can use it to describe a friend, a family member, or even yourself if you're feeling particularly chatty. It's perfect for describing someone who goes on and on without pause. You might use it when someone is telling a long story or explaining something in great detail. It implies a continuous stream of words. It's all about the quantity and speed of speech. Don't expect profound insights; just expect a lot of talking!
Real-Life Examples
- At a family gathering: "My aunt arrived and immediately started talking. She
falou pelos cotovelosfor two hours straight about her new cat!" - Describing a colleague: "During the Zoom meeting, João
falou pelos cotovelosand didn't let anyone else get a word in. We were all stuck listening." - In a text message: "OMG, met up with Sofia today. She
falou pelos cotovelosabout her vacation. So many stories! 😅" - Watching a movie: "That character in the film
fala pelos cotovelos. I couldn't even focus on the plot!"
When To Use It
Use falar pelos cotovelos when you want to describe someone who is excessively talkative. It's great for informal chats with friends or family. You can use it when someone is recounting a long, detailed story. It fits perfectly when someone is rambling or gossiping. It’s also useful when describing characters in books or movies. Think of situations where someone is dominating a conversation. It captures that feeling of being overwhelmed by words. Use it when the talking is continuous and lengthy. It's a fun way to add color to your descriptions!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid falar pelos cotovelos in formal settings. It’s too colloquial for business meetings or official speeches. Don't use it to describe someone giving a concise, important presentation. It’s not appropriate for situations where someone is speaking eloquently or thoughtfully. Using it for someone who speaks only a little would be a huge mistake. It implies excessive talking, not just talking. It’s also not polite to say directly to someone's face unless you know them very well. You don't want to accidentally insult someone! It's best used in observation or recounting stories.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes get confused about the intensity. They might use it for someone who just talks a normal amount. It’s important to remember this phrase means a lot of talking. Another mistake is using it in a formal context. It sounds out of place in a professional email or a job interview. You wouldn't say, 'My qualifications allow me to falar pelos cotovelos about my skills.' That's just awkward! Stick to casual conversations for this one.
- ✗
Ele fala pelos cotovelos na reunião.→ ✓Ele fala muito na reunião.(Too informal for a meeting) - ✗
A professora fala pelos cotovelos sobre a gramática.→ ✓A professora explica a gramática detalhadamente.(Not appropriate for a teacher explaining)
Similar Expressions
In Portuguese, there are other ways to say someone talks a lot. Falar pelos cotovelos is quite informal. Falar muito is more general. Ser tagarela means to be a chatterbox. Não ter freio na língua means to speak without restraint, often saying inappropriate things. Desembestar a falar means to suddenly start talking a lot. Each has its own flavor. Falar pelos cotovelos is the most visual and perhaps the most exaggerated.
Memory Trick
Picture someone talking so much that their elbows start vibrating! Imagine their arms are like two loud speakers, and the sound waves are coming out of the elbow joints. It's a silly image, but it helps you remember the 'too much talking' aspect. Think of the elbows as extra mouths, working overtime! It's a bit ridiculous, which makes it memorable. Elbows + Talking = Too Much Talking!
Quick FAQ
- Is it always negative? Not necessarily! It can be affectionate teasing.
- Can I say it about myself? Yes, humorously! 'I was so excited, I
falei pelos cotovelosall night.' - Is it slang? It's an idiom, leaning towards informal language.
- What if they're just passionate? It can describe someone passionate, but the focus is on the *quantity* of speech.
Usage Notes
This is a highly informal idiom, best reserved for casual conversations among friends or family. Using it in professional or formal contexts will likely sound out of place. Be mindful that while often used humorously, it can imply someone is rambling or dominating a conversation, so consider the listener's perspective.
Visualize the Elbows!
Imagine words literally shooting out of someone's elbows. This silly image helps remember the 'excessive' part of the phrase. It's not just talking; it's overflowing!
A Playful Jab
In Portuguese culture, `falar pelos cotovelos` is often used with a wink and a smile. It's a way to affectionately tease someone known for their chattiness, showing acceptance of their personality.
Mind the Formality!
This phrase is definitely informal. Using it in a job interview or a formal email would be like wearing flip-flops to a wedding – completely out of place and potentially embarrassing!
Context is Key
While it means 'talks too much,' the context often implies *why*. Is it excitement? Nervousness? Gossip? Tailor your usage to reflect the specific situation for richer communication.
Examples
12A festa estava ótima, mas a Joana `falou pelos cotovelos` a noite toda!
The party was great, but Joana talked non-stop all night!
Used here to describe someone who dominated the conversation with excessive talking.
Não consigo ter uma conversa normal com ele, ele `fala pelos cotovelos`!
I can't have a normal conversation with him, he talks your ear off!
Expresses mild frustration about someone's excessive talking.
Minha tia adora contar histórias, ela sempre `fala pelos cotovelos` quando nos visita.
My aunt loves telling stories, she always talks a mile a minute when she visits us.
A common, slightly exasperated but affectionate description of a talkative relative.
Com a minha amiga que `fala pelos cotovelos`! 😂 Adoro! #amizade #conversasinfinitas
With my friend who talks non-stop! 😂 Love it! #friendship #endlessconversations
Used humorously on social media to playfully tease a talkative friend.
Aquele YouTuber `fala pelos cotovelos`, quase perdi o tutorial!
That YouTuber talks so much, I almost missed the tutorial!
Relatable complaint about content creators who ramble too much.
✗ Eu `falo pelos cotovelos` sobre minhas habilidades. → ✓ Eu posso detalhar minhas habilidades extensivamente.
✗ I talk through my elbows about my skills. → ✓ I can elaborate extensively on my skills.
This phrase is too informal and unprofessional for a job interview context.
O candidato demonstrou grande entusiasmo e `falou pelos cotovelos` sobre seus projetos.
The candidate showed great enthusiasm and spoke at length about their projects.
Here, it describes the candidate's passion and detailed explanation, though still informal.
Acabei de falar com a Maria, ela `falou pelos cotovelos` sobre o novo namorado!
I just talked to Maria, she went on and on about the new boyfriend!
Typical gossip-sharing context, implying lots of details were shared.
Ele estava tão nervoso que `falou pelos cotovelos` sem parar.
He was so nervous that he talked non-stop.
Explains the reason behind the excessive talking – nervousness.
✗ Prezado Sr. Silva, gostaria de `falar pelos cotovelos` sobre a proposta. → ✓ Prezado Sr. Silva, gostaria de discutir a proposta em detalhe.
✗ Dear Mr. Silva, I would like to talk through my elbows about the proposal. → ✓ Dear Mr. Silva, I would like to discuss the proposal in detail.
The idiom is inappropriate for formal written communication.
O personagem principal `fala pelos cotovelos`, às vezes é difícil acompanhar a narrativa.
The main character talks your ear off; sometimes it's hard to follow the narrative.
Used to describe a character's trait within a literary context.
Desculpem, acho que `falei pelos cotovelos` demais sobre o meu hobby! Voltemos ao assunto.
Sorry, I think I rambled on too much about my hobby! Let's get back to the topic.
A self-aware and humorous way to acknowledge one's own excessive talking.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
The phrase `falar pelos cotovelos` means to talk excessively. The past tense form `falou` fits the context of recounting past events (holidays).
Choose the sentence that uses the idiom correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses `falar pelos cotovelos`?
The idiom describes a person talking a lot. Options B and C misuse the phrase by applying it to inanimate objects or events. Option D is grammatically awkward and less natural than A.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The correct idiom is `falar pelos cotovelos`. 'Através dos' means 'through the' but is not part of the established phrase.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese.
The phrase `falar pelos cotovelos` perfectly captures the idea of talking excessively. The context 'when he's excited' translates to `quando está animado`.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate form of the idiom.
The sentence implies she talks a lot about movies, contrasting with her usual quietness. `Falar pelos cotovelos` fits this sudden burst of excessive talk.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While `falar pelos cotovelos` means talking a lot, it's too informal for describing professional speaking. 'Falou muito' or 'falou extensivamente' is more appropriate here.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This is the standard structure for the idiom in the present tense, indicating someone who talks excessively.
Choose the sentence that uses the idiom idiomatically and appropriately.
Which sentence best captures the essence of `falar pelos cotovelos`?
This option correctly applies the idiom to a child excitedly describing a toy, a typical scenario for excessive, enthusiastic talk.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese.
The English idiom 'talked my ear off' is well-represented by the Portuguese `falar pelos cotovelos`, indicating a lengthy and potentially overwhelming conversation.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom, considering the past tense.
The phrase 'quando ele bebe um pouco' (when he drinks a little) suggests a habitual or characteristic action, best represented by the present tense `fala`.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The idiom requires the plural form 'cotovelos' (elbows), not the singular 'cotovelo' (elbow).
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This sentence correctly uses the past tense `falou` and places the adverb `ontem` naturally within the sentence structure.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for `Falar pelos Cotovelos`
Used freely among close friends and family, often with humor.
Nossa, você `falou pelos cotovelos` ontem!
Common in casual conversations, describing someone's talkative nature.
Ele `fala pelos cotovelos` quando o assunto é futebol.
Can be used neutrally to describe someone, but leans informal.
A testemunha `falou pelos cotovelos` durante o depoimento.
Generally avoided in formal settings due to its colloquial nature.
Evite usar `falar pelos cotovelos` em reuniões de negócios.
Situations Where `Falar pelos Cotovelos` is Used
Catching up with an old friend
Ela `falou pelos cotovelos` sobre a vida dela.
Describing a family gathering
Meu tio `falou pelos cotovelos` a noite toda.
Reacting to a TV show character
Esse personagem `fala pelos cotovelos`!
Gossiping with a friend
Contei tudo, `falei pelos cotovelos`!
Describing someone nervous
Ele `falou pelos cotovelos` antes da apresentação.
Playfully teasing a friend
Você `fala pelos cotovelos` hoje!
Comparing `Falar pelos Cotovelos` with Similar Expressions
Categories of Usage for `Falar pelos Cotovelos`
Describing People
- • Chatty friends
- • Long-winded relatives
- • Excitable children
- • Talkative colleagues
Situational Context
- • Recounting events
- • Sharing gossip
- • Explaining something in detail
- • Nervous rambling
Tone & Intent
- • Humorous observation
- • Affectionate teasing
- • Mild complaint
- • Factual description
Avoid in
- • Formal speeches
- • Business emails
- • Serious news reports
- • Job interviews
Practice Bank
12 exercisesA Maria estava tão animada que ______ sobre as férias dela.
The phrase `falar pelos cotovelos` means to talk excessively. The past tense form `falou` fits the context of recounting past events (holidays).
Which sentence correctly uses `falar pelos cotovelos`?
The idiom describes a person talking a lot. Options B and C misuse the phrase by applying it to inanimate objects or events. Option D is grammatically awkward and less natural than A.
Find and fix the mistake:
Na festa, ele `falou através dos cotovelos` sem parar.
The correct idiom is `falar pelos cotovelos`. 'Através dos' means 'through the' but is not part of the established phrase.
My brother talks too much when he's excited.
Hints: Use the idiom for 'talks too much'., Remember the past tense for 'talked'.
The phrase `falar pelos cotovelos` perfectly captures the idea of talking excessively. The context 'when he's excited' translates to `quando está animado`.
Ela pode parecer quieta, mas quando o assunto é cinema, ela ______.
The sentence implies she talks a lot about movies, contrasting with her usual quietness. `Falar pelos cotovelos` fits this sudden burst of excessive talk.
Find and fix the mistake:
O palestrante `falou pelos cotovelos` de forma muito profissional.
While `falar pelos cotovelos` means talking a lot, it's too informal for describing professional speaking. 'Falou muito' or 'falou extensivamente' is more appropriate here.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This is the standard structure for the idiom in the present tense, indicating someone who talks excessively.
Which sentence best captures the essence of `falar pelos cotovelos`?
This option correctly applies the idiom to a child excitedly describing a toy, a typical scenario for excessive, enthusiastic talk.
She talked my ear off about her trip.
Hints: Use the idiom for 'talked my ear off'., Ensure the verb tense matches 'talked'.
The English idiom 'talked my ear off' is well-represented by the Portuguese `falar pelos cotovelos`, indicating a lengthy and potentially overwhelming conversation.
Quando ele bebe um pouco, ele ______ sobre política.
The phrase 'quando ele bebe um pouco' (when he drinks a little) suggests a habitual or characteristic action, best represented by the present tense `fala`.
Find and fix the mistake:
A Maria `fala pelo cotovelo` muito.
The idiom requires the plural form 'cotovelos' (elbows), not the singular 'cotovelo' (elbow).
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence correctly uses the past tense `falou` and places the adverb `ontem` naturally within the sentence structure.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsLiterally, it translates to 'to talk through the elbows'. This vivid image suggests that the person is talking so much that words are coming out of every possible opening, even their elbows!
It's generally neutral to slightly negative, but often used humorously or affectionately. It describes someone who talks a lot, which isn't inherently bad, but can be overwhelming or annoying depending on the context and the listener's patience.
Yes, you absolutely can! Saying 'Eu falei pelos cotovelos ontem!' (I talked non-stop yesterday!) is a great way to humorously acknowledge your own chattiness, perhaps after a long phone call or a night out.
It's perfect for casual conversations with friends or family. Use it when describing someone who tends to ramble, tell long stories, or dominate conversations with their words, especially if you want to add a touch of humor.
Think about situations like catching up with an old friend who shares every detail of their life, a child excitedly describing their day at school, or even a character in a movie who never seems to stop talking.
Definitely not. Falar pelos cotovelos is considered informal and colloquial. Using it in a formal setting like a business meeting or a job interview would sound unprofessional and out of place.
Falar muito is a general term meaning 'to talk a lot'. Falar pelos cotovelos is more idiomatic and emphasizes the *excessive*, perhaps uncontrollable, nature of the talking, often with a more visual and informal flair.
Yes, other related expressions include ser tagarela (to be a chatterbox) and não ter freio na língua (to speak without restraint, often saying inappropriate things). Falar pelos cotovelos specifically paints the picture of sheer volume and duration.
The English phrase 'to talk someone's ear off' is a very close equivalent. Both idioms describe someone talking so much that it can be tiresome or overwhelming for the listener, using a vivid, slightly exaggerated image.
A common mistake is using the phrase in formal contexts or applying it to non-human subjects. Learners might also forget to use the plural 'cotovelos' or use the wrong verb tense, making the sentence sound unnatural.
Not directly. While someone telling a long, exaggerated story might falar pelos cotovelos, the phrase itself focuses solely on the quantity of speech, not its truthfulness. You'd need other cues or phrases to imply deception.
The elbow imagery suggests that the words are overflowing from the person's body, escaping from an unexpected place. It emphasizes the lack of control and the sheer volume of speech, as if the body itself can't contain all the words.
While falar pelos cotovelos is widely understood across Portuguese-speaking countries, nuances might exist. However, its core meaning of excessive talking remains consistent in both Brazil and Portugal.
You could say 'Ele é muito tagarela' or, more idiomatically capturing the excessive nature, 'Ele fala pelos cotovelos'.
If someone speaks passionately but concisely, falar pelos cotovelos would be inappropriate. That phrase specifically implies a lengthy, continuous flow of words, not necessarily impactful ones.
Yes, if someone is revealing many secrets continuously, you could say they falaram pelos cotovelos. The phrase highlights the volume of information shared, regardless of the content's nature.
A mistake could be saying 'Ele fala pelos seu cotovelos'. The correct idiomatic structure is simply falar pelos cotovelos, without the possessive pronoun 'seu'.
Not necessarily boring, but potentially overwhelming. The focus is on the duration and quantity of speech. The listener might find it boring, but the phrase itself just states the fact of excessive talking.
Think of someone gesturing wildly while talking, their elbows moving constantly. Or imagine the words spilling out like liquid from the elbow joints – a very messy, excessive image!
If the lecture is very long but informative and well-structured, falar pelos cotovelos might not be the best fit, as it can carry a connotation of rambling. However, if the lecturer goes on and on with excessive detail, it could be used informally.
Related Phrases
Ser tagarela
synonymTo be a chatterbox
Both phrases describe someone who talks a lot, but 'ser tagarela' focuses more on the personality trait of being habitually chatty.
Falar muito
synonymTo talk a lot
This is a more direct and less idiomatic way to say someone talks a lot, lacking the colorful imagery of 'falar pelos cotovelos'.
Não ter freio na língua
related topicTo not have a brake on one's tongue
While this also implies excessive talking, it specifically focuses on speaking without restraint, often saying inappropriate or impulsive things.
Desembestar a falar
related topicTo burst out talking
This describes the sudden start of talking a lot, whereas 'falar pelos cotovelos' implies a more continuous state of excessive speech.
Ser prolixo
synonymTo be long-winded
This is a more formal synonym, often used in writing or formal speech to describe someone who uses more words than necessary.
Falar pelos aros
regional variantTo talk through the hoops (less common)
This is a less common variant, sometimes heard regionally, with a similar meaning of talking excessively, though 'cotovelos' is far more standard.
