Meaning
To bring bad luck or be unlucky, especially in competitions or games.
Cultural Background
The 'Mick Jagger' effect is the most famous modern example. During the 2010 World Cup, Jagger supported England, the USA, and Brazil in person—all of whom were eliminated immediately. He is now the national symbol of a 'pé-frio'. In Portugal, the term is understood but less central to soccer culture than in Brazil. Portuguese fans are more likely to use 'azarado' or 'enguiço'. In Luanda, 'pé-frio' is used in 'kuduro' lyrics and street slang to describe someone who doesn't have the 'vibe' or brings bad energy to the party. Brazilian sports commentators often use the term to create a narrative of 'destiny' around certain players who never seem to win titles despite their talent.
Use for humor
It's a great way to bond with Brazilian fans. Blaming yourself for being a 'pé-frio' shows you understand the culture.
Don't use for death
Never call someone a pé-frio in the context of a funeral or serious accident.
Meaning
To bring bad luck or be unlucky, especially in competitions or games.
Use for humor
It's a great way to bond with Brazilian fans. Blaming yourself for being a 'pé-frio' shows you understand the culture.
Don't use for death
Never call someone a pé-frio in the context of a funeral or serious accident.
The plural rule
Remember: 'pés-frios' is the formal plural, but 'pé-frios' is what you'll hear on the street.
Test Yourself
Complete a frase com a forma correta do artigo e o idioma.
A Maria sempre traz chuva para o churrasco. Ela é ____.
Maria is feminine, so we use 'uma'. The idiom is 'pé-frio'.
Qual frase usa o idioma corretamente para significar 'jinx'?
Escolha a opção correta:
This uses 'ser' + 'pé-frio' to describe a person who brings bad luck to a team.
Associe a situação ao termo correto.
Se o seu time perde toda vez que você assiste, você é:
'Pé-frio' is the jinx; 'Pé-quente' is the lucky one; 'Pé de valsa' is a good dancer; 'Pé de chinelo' is someone poor or insignificant.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Pé-frio vs. Pé-quente
Practice Bank
3 exercisesA Maria sempre traz chuva para o churrasco. Ela é ____.
Maria is feminine, so we use 'uma'. The idiom is 'pé-frio'.
Escolha a opção correta:
This uses 'ser' + 'pé-frio' to describe a person who brings bad luck to a team.
Se o seu time perde toda vez que você assiste, você é:
'Pé-frio' is the jinx; 'Pé-quente' is the lucky one; 'Pé de valsa' is a good dancer; 'Pé de chinelo' is someone poor or insignificant.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but use the feminine article: 'Ela é uma pé-frio'. The word 'pé' doesn't change to 'pata'!
Usually no. It's a lighthearted tease among friends, though in professional sports, it can be a frustrating label.
The opposite is 'pé-quente' (hot foot), someone who brings good luck.
No. Never use it to mean 'hesitant' or 'scared'.
Yes, but less frequently. 'Azarado' is more common there.
Usually it refers to people, but you can jokingly say a specific shirt is 'pé-frio' if the team loses when you wear it.
Related Phrases
Pé-quente
contrastSomeone who brings good luck.
Zicar
similarTo jinx something.
Secar
builds onTo root against someone to bring them bad luck.
Urucubaca
similarA long streak of bad luck.
