Eçalhado

Eçalhado is a term used in Portuguese, particularly in Brazil, to describe a person who is considered untrustworthy, cunning, or deceitful. It often implies a degree of slyness and a tendency to operate with hidden motives. Someone described as eçalhado might be perceived as someone who is not straightforward and could potentially take advantage of others.

The word can be used in various contexts. It might refer to a business person who engages in questionable practices, a friend who is known to gossip or betray confidences, or even a politician who is seen as insincere. The connotation is generally negative, suggesting a lack of integrity.

While the exact etymology is not definitively established, it is believed to be related to the idea of being "scaled" or having layers that hide true intentions, similar to how fish are scaled. This imagery reinforces the notion of deception and hidden aspects of a person's character.

The term is colloquial and informal, typically used in everyday conversation rather than in formal settings. Its usage highlights a cultural understanding of certain types of untrustworthy behavior.