paredão

Paredão is a Portuguese term that literally means a large wall, derived from parede with the augmentative suffix -ão. In usage, it covers several distinct meanings depending on context.

Geography and geology: In geography, paredão denotes a sheer cliff or very steep rock face. It is used to describe prominent vertical rock formations along coastlines or in mountainous areas and can serve as a landmark for hikers and climbers.

Music and culture: In Brazilian Portuguese, a paredão can refer to a powerful sound system, typically a stack of loudspeakers and subwoofers used at outdoor parties, clubs, or street events. A paredão de som emphasizes bass and volume and is associated with scenes in funk, samba, and related genres.

Reality television: In Brazilian reality shows, especially Big Brother Brasil, the term paredão refers to the eviction round in which housemates vote to eliminate a participant. The wall metaphor describes the collective decisions and the subsequent public reveal of who leaves the program. The phrase has entered popular discourse around nominations, eliminations, and plotlines.

Sports usage: In sports slang, particularly football, paredão describes a very solid defense or a goalkeeper who acts as a near-impenetrable barrier. A player or unit characterized as a paredão is praised for blocking attacks and saving goals.

Etymology and usage: While the literal meaning is the large wall, the term has acquired widely understood figurative uses across media and everyday language in Brazilian Portuguese. Its meanings reflect protection, boundary, and an overwhelming presence in various contexts.