Being aware of these expressions is a way to avoid misunderstanding and at the same time enriching vocabulary
Have you ever wondered how many English words are part of our daily lives?
The truth is that we often use in English without even realizing it – and worse, not knowing exactly what they mean.
They are in music, movies, social networks and even conversations between friends. But are we using these words correctly?
6 words in English that many Brazilians speak even without knowing the meaning
1. Job
“He got a new job!” This phrase is common, isn’t it? In Brazil, “Job” became synonymous with work or “freelance”, especially among creative professionals.
However, in original English, “Job” simply means job or fixed work, not necessarily a single service.
That is, if you are doing a punctual project, the most appropriate term in English would be “Gig” or “Freelance Work”.
2. Feedback
Among the English words, many people ask for feedback without knowing exactly what they are asking.
In English, feedback is the return you give (or receive) about something – an opinion or evaluation, usually aiming to improve a situation.
However, here, the word is sometimes used vaguely or even to indicate a complaint.
Know what feedback It involves both positive and negative points can greatly help in the work environment or in studies.
3. Spoiler
Have you heard someone say “don’t give me spoiler”? This is one of the English words became famous with the popularization of series and movies on streaming platforms.
In English, “spoiler” is what reveals an important detail of the story, spoiling the surprise.
The use is correct, but many people think Spoiler is just telling the end – when, in fact, any important information revealed early can be considered a spoiler.
4. Outdoor
Here in Brazil, we call the propaganda panels on the streets “Outdoor”.
But in English, the word “outdoor” simply means “outdoors.”
The correct term for what we know as “outdoor” is “Billboard”.
Knowing this difference can avoid confusion, especially in international contexts.
Imagine to say you saw an amazing “outdoor”, and the person understands that you saw … Nature.
5. Notebook
How many people have said they bought a “new notebook” and were talking about a computer?
In English, notebook is just a notebook. The electronic equipment we use on a daily basis is actually called a laptop.
Nevertheless, the use of “notebook” as a synonym for laptop has already spread so much here that many brands have adopted the term.
But it is always good to know the difference, especially if you are buying on international sites.
6. Shopping
This is perhaps the unavoid use champion between the English words. In Brazil, “Shopping” became the name of a place: the shopping center.
But in English, “Shopping” is the act of shopping. The place where people go to buy things is called “mall” or “shopping mall”.
Therefore, when you say that “go to the mall”, a native may understand that you are going shopping, but not necessarily in a specific place like a shopping mall.
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