In 15 Seconds
- To show off or act cool in a situation.
- To playfully tease or make fun of a friend.
- A very common, versatile Brazilian slang used daily.
Meaning
Depending on the context, it means to show off, to brag, or to tease someone in a playful way. It is that classic move of acting cool or making fun of a friend.
Key Examples
3 of 7Complimenting a friend's new outfit
Nossa, que camisa linda! Está tirando onda, hein?
Wow, what a beautiful shirt! You're showing off, huh?
Teasing a friend after their team loses
Não fica bravo, só estou tirando onda com você!
Don't be mad, I'm just teasing you!
Talking about a coworker's new promotion
O Marcos está tirando onda com aquele cargo novo.
Marcos is really acting big with that new position.
Cultural Background
Originating from the 1970s surf scene in Rio de Janeiro, the phrase reflects the 'Carioca' lifestyle of being laid-back yet confident. It captures the social importance of 'bragging rights' and playful banter in Brazilian social dynamics.
The 'Com' Rule
If you are teasing someone, always add 'com'. Without it, you are just 'acting cool' in general.
Watch the Ego
Calling someone 'metido' (stuck up) is an insult, but saying they are 'tirando onda' can be a compliment. It's all in the smile!
In 15 Seconds
- To show off or act cool in a situation.
- To playfully tease or make fun of a friend.
- A very common, versatile Brazilian slang used daily.
What It Means
Tirar onda is a versatile Brazilian expression with two main vibes. First, it means to show off or act like a big deal. Imagine someone showing up in a brand-new car or wearing expensive clothes. They are tirando onda. Second, it means to tease or make fun of someone. It is usually lighthearted, like when your team wins and you joke with your friend who lost.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. If you want to say someone is showing off, say Ele está tirando onda. If you want to say you are teasing a friend, say Estou tirando onda com ele. It is very flexible with tenses. You can use it for something happening right now or a habit. Just remember to use the preposition com when you are teasing a specific person.
When To Use It
Use it when you see someone acting extra cool or successful. It is great for praising a friend's new look. "Wow, you look great, está tirando onda!" It is also perfect for those banter-filled moments at a bar or a barbecue. If you are joking about your friend's bad haircut, you are tirando onda. It is the bread and butter of casual Brazilian social life.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very serious or professional settings. Do not tell your CEO he is tirando onda during a board meeting. It might sound like you are calling him arrogant or not taking him seriously. Also, be careful with the tone. While usually friendly, if said with a sneer, it can imply someone is being fake or pretentious. Use it with people you have some level of intimacy with.
Cultural Background
This phrase likely comes from surf culture in Rio de Janeiro. A surfer who catches a great wave is the center of attention. They are the "king of the beach" for a moment. Over time, it moved from the ocean to the streets. It perfectly captures the Brazilian spirit of malandragem—being clever, cool, and having a sense of humor about life.
Common Variations
You might hear tirar uma onda (adding the 'a'). It means the exact same thing. In some regions, people might just say tirar sarro when they specifically mean teasing. However, tirar onda remains the undisputed champion of versatility across all of Brazil. It is the ultimate 'cool' phrase.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in informal spoken Brazilian Portuguese. It is highly versatile but requires a relaxed environment to avoid sounding disrespectful.
The 'Com' Rule
If you are teasing someone, always add 'com'. Without it, you are just 'acting cool' in general.
Watch the Ego
Calling someone 'metido' (stuck up) is an insult, but saying they are 'tirando onda' can be a compliment. It's all in the smile!
The Carioca Soul
In Rio, this phrase is almost a lifestyle. It's about 'marra' (confidence). Don't be afraid to use it with a bit of swagger.
Examples
7Nossa, que camisa linda! Está tirando onda, hein?
Wow, what a beautiful shirt! You're showing off, huh?
Used here as a compliment to say someone looks cool.
Não fica bravo, só estou tirando onda com você!
Don't be mad, I'm just teasing you!
The preposition 'com' indicates who is being teased.
O Marcos está tirando onda com aquele cargo novo.
Marcos is really acting big with that new position.
Can imply a bit of envy or just observing his new status.
Vocês estão tirando onda com esse almoço chique!
You guys are living large with this fancy lunch!
Even a boss can use it to build rapport in a relaxed moment.
Que foto incrível! Tirou onda nessa viagem!
What an amazing photo! You really crushed it on this trip!
Commonly used on social media comments.
Ela tirou onda na apresentação de hoje.
She really killed it in today's presentation.
Means performing exceptionally well.
Hoje eu vou tirar onda com meu carro limpo.
Today I'm going to show off with my clean car.
Self-referential use about feeling good.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to use when teasing someone.
Eu adoro tirar onda ___ meu irmão.
We always use 'com' (with) when the action of 'tirar onda' is directed at someone as teasing.
Which phrase fits best when a friend buys a luxury watch?
Cara, que relógio! Você está ___!
'Tirando onda' is the correct idiomatic expression for showing off or looking cool.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Tirar Onda'
Slang among close friends or siblings.
Tirando onda com a cara dele.
Casual conversation, social media, bars.
Você está tirando onda hoje!
Relaxed workplace or with acquaintances.
Ele tirou onda no projeto.
Avoid. Use 'destacar-se' or 'brincar' instead.
N/A
When to Pull a Wave
At the Beach
Showing off a new surfboard.
At a Party
Teasing a friend about their dancing.
On Instagram
Posting a photo at a fancy hotel.
After a Game
Bantering with the losing team.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu adoro tirar onda ___ meu irmão.
We always use 'com' (with) when the action of 'tirar onda' is directed at someone as teasing.
Cara, que relógio! Você está ___!
'Tirando onda' is the correct idiomatic expression for showing off or looking cool.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. While often a compliment like Você está tirando onda, it can be negative if you think someone is being too arrogant or fake.
Only if your boss is very chill and you are in a casual setting like a happy hour. In a meeting, stick to parabéns.
Close! Tirar sarro specifically means to mock or tease. Tirar onda can mean that, but also means to show off or be successful.
It is understood because of Brazilian soap operas, but it is much more common in Brazil. In Portugal, they might use armar-se em carapau de corrida.
You can say Relaxa, só estou tirando uma onda! It's a great way to diffuse tension after a joke.
This is a more intense version of teasing. It means you are making someone look like a fool or laughing at their expense.
No, it's an action performed by people. However, you can tirar onda *because* of an object, like a new phone.
Yes! Both men and women tiram onda. The verb conjugation changes, but the phrase stays the same.
There isn't a direct opposite slang, but passar vergonha (to embarrass oneself) is often what happens when you try to tirar onda and fail.
Not at all. Even though it's been around for decades, it's still widely used by teenagers and adults alike.
Related Phrases
Tirar sarro
To make fun of someone.
Se achar
To think highly of oneself / to be full of oneself.
Estar com a bola toda
To be at the top of one's game / very successful.
Zuar
To tease or mess with someone.
