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Is "mazelas" only used in old Portuguese?

Kayleigh
Teacher
Mazelas = a wound/bruise/something that disturbs or annoys.

I'm told that this is a word that is used in old Portuguese and not nowadays.

What is (are) the replacement(s)?
Can we use this in figurative speech - for example like in English with "you are a pain in the neck/annoying"...

Obrigada de novo!
1

For learning: Portuguese
Base language: English
Category: Uncategorized

  • Asked by Kayleigh 6 month(s) ago
  • 2 answer(s)
  • 508 view(s)

Answers (2)

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Thiago Gualdi V.
Best Answer - Chosen by the Asker

No, it's used nowadays too. Virtually everyone knows its most common meaning, since the media, teachers and politicians have used too much the expression "mazelas sociais". So, if someone eventually says "mazela", the listener automatically thinks "social".
Therefore, this sense would be regarded as a undesirable cliché within more formal contexts.

Besides this, the other meanings have semi-cult or cult essences today.
You can still use some informally in more cult groups, even of young people, however.

But, nevertheless, hardly someone would understand you perfectly if said as in your example. People mainly think of 'a problem, a issue; something bad' and not of an annoyance. It's not the case for its derivatives, like 'mazelar', but this is too cult, it has great restrictions.

0
Luciano
1
It isn't only used in old Portuguese. But it is more common in academic or formal language, mainly writed. Ex. as mazelas da sociedade (os problemas da sociedade).
João Pedro
0
Ele te explicou tudo :D