cheiroso

Cheiroso is an adjective in Portuguese that describes something with a noticeable smell. It can refer to a pleasant scent, such as perfume, flowers, or freshly baked bread, but it can also indicate an unpleasant odor depending on the context. In everyday usage, the term is most often associated with a favorable aroma when describing objects or people who have just applied fragrance, though its use to describe people can be informal or humorous.

Etymology and form: Cheiroso derives from cheiro, meaning smell, with the suffix -oso that indicates abundance or possession. The feminine form is cheirosa, and the plural forms are cheirosos (masculine) and cheirosas (feminine). The word is widely understood across Portuguese-speaking regions.

Usage notes: Cheiroso is common in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. When applied to people, ele/ela é cheiroso(a) implies that the person smells good; when used for objects or environments, it emphasizes a distinct odor. The term can carry nuances of pleasantness, attractiveness, or a strong, noticeable scent, depending on tone and context.

Other uses: Cheiroso can function as a surname or nickname in Portuguese-speaking communities, reflecting the same root meaning of smell or fragrance.

See also: cheiro, odor, olfactory.