paquer

Paquer is a slang verb used to describe the act of flirting or attempting to attract someone romantically. It is informal and most often heard in everyday speech, dating contexts, and social media. The related noun paquera denotes the flirtation itself or the person one is pursuing; for example, “Ela é minha paquera” or “Estou paquerando com ele.”

Origins and usage notes: The term is primarily documented in Portuguese-language slang, especially in Brazilian Portuguese. Its exact etymology is unclear, but it has become a common part of contemporary vernacular for informal romantic advance. In contrast to the casual sense of paquer, standard Portuguese uses flertar as the formal equivalent. Paquerar can imply light, playful flirting rather than serious courtship, and the tone is often breezy or humorous.

Register and context: Because it is informal, paquer should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings. It is more likely to appear in conversations among friends, in dating advice, or in media aimed at younger audiences. The concept can lead to longer social interactions or relationships if the flirtation is well received.

Related ideas: Flertar is the standard Portuguese verb for flirting; paquera as a social pursuit is common in many Latin-based cultures, where expressing romantic interest through dialogue, humor, and compliments is part of dating etiquette.

In sum, paquer describes playful, informal flirting and is a staple of contemporary Lusophone slang, with paquera serving as its noun form.