In 15 Seconds
- To show disdain or rejection for something.
- Used when someone is being picky or unimpressed.
- Commonly used for food, social invites, or ideas.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone turns up their nose at something, showing they think it's not good enough for them. It's that classic look of disdain or being picky because you feel superior to the situation.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a picky eater
O João torceu o nariz para a sopa de legumes.
João turned up his nose at the vegetable soup.
Discussing a job offer
Ele torceu o nariz quando viu o salário.
He turned up his nose when he saw the salary.
Texting about a party location
Não torce o nariz, o bar é simples mas a cerveja é gelada!
Don't turn up your nose, the bar is simple but the beer is cold!
Cultural Background
The expression 'torcer o nariz' is deeply rooted in the Latin tendency to use facial expressions to convey social status or preference. It became popular as a way to describe the 'bourgeois' reaction to anything common or simple. In modern Brazil, it's frequently used in gossip or social commentary about celebrities and fashion.
The Visual Cue
When you say this, you can actually mimic the gesture of wrinkling your nose to emphasize how 'snobby' the person was being.
Don't confuse with 'Meter o nariz'
Be careful! `Meter o nariz` means to be nosy or butt into someone's business. `Torcer` is about rejection.
In 15 Seconds
- To show disdain or rejection for something.
- Used when someone is being picky or unimpressed.
- Commonly used for food, social invites, or ideas.
What It Means
Torcer o nariz (the correct standard form of this idiom) means to show dissatisfaction or rejection. Imagine someone offers you a lukewarm cup of coffee. You don't just say no. You physically wrinkle your nose in distaste. That is the essence of this expression. It is about being picky or unimpressed. You feel something is below your standards. It is the universal sign of 'meh' or 'no thanks.'
How To Use It
Use it like a regular verb phrase. You can say someone torceu o nariz for a job offer. Or maybe for a specific restaurant choice. It usually takes the preposition a or para. For example: Ela torceu o nariz para o jantar. It describes the reaction, not just the words. It is perfect for describing a picky eater or a snobby friend.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is being difficult or elitist. It works great when discussing food, fashion, or even ideas. If your boss rejects a proposal without a good reason, they torceram o nariz. If your date doesn't like your favorite dive bar, they are torcendo o nariz. It is a very visual way to describe an attitude. Use it to add flavor to your storytelling.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very high-stakes professional feedback. It sounds a bit judgmental or informal. Don't use it if someone has a legitimate, serious reason for a refusal. It implies a bit of pettiness or superficial dislike. If someone is allergic to peanuts, they aren't torcendo o nariz at the satay. They are just trying to survive! Keep it for lighter, opinion-based rejections.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people are generally very expressive. Body language is a huge part of communication. The act of physically wrinkling the nose is a common sight. It dates back to the idea that bad smells make us recoil. Over time, it moved from literal bad smells to 'bad' ideas or 'cheap' things. It reflects a culture that values social standards and personal taste.
Common Variations
While torcer o nariz is the standard, you might hear fazer cara feia. That one is broader, meaning 'to make a mean face.' You might also hear não cheirar bem, which means something 'doesn't smell right' (metaphorically). But for that specific 'I'm too good for this' vibe, nothing beats the nose. Stick to torcer o nariz for maximum impact.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile but leans informal. Ensure you use the verb `torcer` (to twist/wring) rather than `fazer` to sound like a native. It's perfect for casual storytelling about social interactions.
The Visual Cue
When you say this, you can actually mimic the gesture of wrinkling your nose to emphasize how 'snobby' the person was being.
Don't confuse with 'Meter o nariz'
Be careful! `Meter o nariz` means to be nosy or butt into someone's business. `Torcer` is about rejection.
The 'Fresh' Factor
In Brazil, someone who constantly 'torce o nariz' is often called 'fresco' (fresh/picky). It's a common social label.
Examples
6O João torceu o nariz para a sopa de legumes.
João turned up his nose at the vegetable soup.
Classic use for someone who doesn't like the food served.
Ele torceu o nariz quando viu o salário.
He turned up his nose when he saw the salary.
Shows the person thought the pay was too low.
Não torce o nariz, o bar é simples mas a cerveja é gelada!
Don't turn up your nose, the bar is simple but the beer is cold!
Telling a friend not to be a snob about a dive bar.
Ela torceu o nariz para o presente que eu dei.
She turned up her nose at the gift I gave her.
Expresses disappointment or feeling the gift wasn't good enough.
O crítico torceu o nariz até para o champanhe caro!
The critic turned up his nose even at the expensive champagne!
Hyperbole to show how impossible someone is to please.
A elite sempre torce o nariz para manifestações populares.
The elite always turn up their noses at popular manifestations.
Used to describe social or class-based disdain.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb to show the person didn't like the suggestion.
Eu sugeri ir ao cinema, mas ela ___ o nariz.
'Torceu o nariz' is the fixed idiom for showing disdain.
Choose the correct preposition to follow the phrase.
Não torça o nariz ___ meu carro velho!
We use 'para' or 'a' to indicate what is being rejected.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Torcer o Nariz'
Too descriptive for pure slang.
N/A
Perfect for friends and family.
Ele torceu o nariz pro bolo.
Used in journalism or storytelling.
O público torceu o nariz para a mudança.
A bit too colorful for legal documents.
N/A
When to use 'Torcer o Nariz'
Bad Food
Rejecting a dish
Low Salary
A bad job offer
Ugly Clothes
Shopping with a snob
New Ideas
A skeptical boss
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu sugeri ir ao cinema, mas ela ___ o nariz.
'Torceu o nariz' is the fixed idiom for showing disdain.
Não torça o nariz ___ meu carro velho!
We use 'para' or 'a' to indicate what is being rejected.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe correct idiom is torcer o nariz. Using fazer might be understood in context, but it's not the natural way a native speaker would say it.
Not really. It's for lighter things like preferences or opinions. For a breakup, it sounds too trivial, like you're just picky about your ex.
Usually, yes. It implies the person thinks they are 'above' whatever is being offered, like Ele torceu o nariz para o hotel simples.
It's a regular -er verb. Use eu torci, você torceu, eles torceram. For example: Ontem eles torceram o nariz para a minha ideia.
Yes! It is very common in both Portugal and Brazil with the exact same meaning of showing distaste.
You could say someone aceitou de braços abertos (accepted with open arms), which is the total opposite of turning up your nose.
Yes, if you want to admit you were being picky. Eu torci o nariz no começo, mas depois gostei (I turned up my nose at first, but then I liked it).
It's not a swear word, but it describes a negative attitude. Calling someone a 'nose-turner' isn't a compliment!
Literally, yes, but the idiom is almost always used metaphorically for things we don't like or approve of.
Use para or a. For example: Torcer o nariz para a comida or Torcer o nariz à proposta.
Related Phrases
Meter o nariz onde não é chamado
To stick one's nose where it doesn't belong (being nosy).
Fazer cara feia
To scowl or show displeasure with your face.
Ser fresco
To be picky or high-maintenance.
Não ir com a cara de alguém
To not like someone's vibe/face from the start.
