Ficar
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Ficar is a slang expression in Brazilian Portuguese, literally translated as the verb "to stay" and represents the act of having an intimate relationship of casual nature and weak commitment with another person. It is a phenomenon observed mostly amongst teenagers as part of courtship process.
The act of "ficar" consists of, at least, a kiss between two individuals. It may last for hours, usually in social events (such as parties, cinemas, gatherings, etc.), depending on how "satisfied" both individuals are or how crushed on each other they were before. Individuals may meet again and continue with "ficar" for days, weeks or months, if they feel like.
During this early stage, fidelity and commitment are not necessarily implied and one of them may choose to pull out. It is also possible that both choose to hide the facts from colleagues or not-so-close friends to avoid gossip or embarrassment. If this relationship lingers on and both feel acquainted enough, one part may ask to start a more "serious" relationship (known as "namoro"), where fidelity and commitment are expected and secrecy is dropped. Sometimes, the relationship may develop into "namoro" without any explicit request. In some cases, people may choose to never commit or commit loosely, like in an open relationship.
At teenagers parties, one may approach several individuals (strangers included), proposing "ficar" with someone, who may or may not accept. Normally, this involves dancing, chatting, buying a drink, etc. and is called "trovar", "chegar", "dar idéia", "paquerar", "rasgar", depending on the regional slang. Not accepting someone's proposal is called "dar um fora".
"Ficar" usually includes only making out but, depending on age, cultural background and situation, it can also include sex.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Portuguese wikipedia
- Terra Jovem (Portuguese)
