Cachorrinho

Cachorrinho is a Portuguese term formed from cachorro (dog) with the diminutive suffix -inho, and is used to mean a small dog or a puppy. It can also be employed as an affectionate or playful form of address for a pet or for a person, especially a child or someone considered cute or endearing.

Etymology and usage notes: The word follows a common pattern in Portuguese that creates endearing forms by adding diminutive or augmentative suffixes. Cachorrinho is widely understood in both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese, with the exact nuance depending on context. The corresponding gendered forms are cachorrinha for a female dog or a female person in a playful address, while cachorrinho can also be used more generally without gender specification when speaking to or about a pet.

Cultural and linguistic context: As a colloquial noun, cachorrinho appears in everyday speech, literature, and media as a sweet or informal reference to dogs, puppies, or beloved companions. It may also appear as a nickname or term of endearment for children or close friends in informal conversations. When referring explicitly to an animal, the term denotes small size or youth; when used toward people, it conveys affection or playfulness rather than literal meaning.

See also: cachorr o; filhote (puppy); cachorra. Note that language use varies by region and context, and diminutive forms like cachorrinho can carry affectionate or humorous connotations beyond a literal description of size.