Thursday 28 August 2014

Brazilian Colloquialisms, Sayings, and Slang #30

TPM - PMS


TPM stands for Tensão Pré-Menstrual. Literally translated, it means Pre-Menstrual Tension/Stress.


Which reminds me:


Males, just so you know, in Brazil talking about the stages of a woman’s reproductive cycle isn’t anywhere near as taboo as it is in North America. Girls won’t come up to you and expect you to be able to start discussing which kind of pad is best or anything, but you’d best get over the embarrassment of words related to female-specific bodily functions and the accessories they require during the time of said functions.


Don’t get me wrong - it’s not all we talk about, nor do we make a point to discuss feminine matters around men; but it isn’t something that’s not to be spoken of near males so as to spare their delicate sensibilities like it is in Anglo-Saxon culture either.


At least not in my personal experience, nor that of family/friends.


Friday 15 August 2014