July 1, 2025 | bzouk glossary
You've probably already said "viradinha!" or heard your teacher say "giro!"
But have you ever wondered what these words actually mean?
Brazilian Zouk, like its music and movement, comes from a rich cultural and linguistic background, and Portuguese is at its heart. Knowing the words doesn't just help you follow class... It connects you more deeply to the roots of the dance.
Below are 25 common portuguese terms you'll hear in the BZouk world: from classic steps to slang, musicality cues, and some very Brazilian humor.
This article is part of our BZouk glossary series: your go-to guide for learning Brazilian Zouk vocabulary, portuguese dance terms, and Zouk slang that you’ll hear in socials, classes, and festivals worldwide.
1. Saída ➡️ "Exit"
2. Giro ➡️ "Turn / Spin"
4. Virada / Viradinha ➡️ "Turnaround / Little turn"
5. Lateral ➡️ "Side"
6. Paso básico ➡️ "Basic step"
7. Abertura ➡️ "Opening"
8. Toalha ➡️ "Towel"
9. Balão / Balão apagado ➡️ "Balloon / Popped balloon"
10. Elástico ➡️ "Elastic"
11. Raul ➡️ slang for Elástico (Brazilian humor)
From the expression "chamar o Raul" = slang for vomiting (because it sounds like "Raaaauuul"). The move involves a reverse body roll that basically looks like you're throwing up...
12. Chicote ➡️ "Whip"
13. Frango assado ➡️ "Roasted chicken"
14. Soltinho ➡️ "Loose / not tied"
15. Gostosinho ➡️ "Tasty / sexy"
16. Sarrada ➡️ "Humping"
From "sarrada no ar", it's a slang for hip thrust.
17. Cabeça ➡️ "Head"
18. Quadril ➡️ "Hips"
19. Peito ➡️ "Chest"
20. Pião ➡️ "Spinning top" (toy)
21. Condução ➡️ "Lead"
22. Seguir ➡️ "To follow"
23. Festinha ➡️ "Little party"
24. Aula ➡️ "Class"
25. Respira ➡️ "Breathe"
In Portuguese, adding -inho / -inha to a word makes it a diminutive, often implying something is small, light, cute, or soft.
gostoso = tasty, sexy ➡️ gostosinho = soft, smooth, yummier vibe
virada = turn ➡️ viradinha = little turn
solto = loose ➡️ soltinho = even looser
In BZouk, these suffixes aren't just grammar: they express feel and texture in the movement.
If you love the words, the vibe, and the Brazilian soul behind Zouk, check out this book:
It goes even further into expressions, pronunciation, and real social usage.
The more you understand the language, the more connected you are to the movement, the music, and the community.
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