FROM a relaxing beach life to amazing dining out, Brits have long been Portugal‘s biggest fans.
However, while the locals also generally welcome UK visitors with open arms, there are a few extra truths I’ve learnt having living there for four years.
An estimated half a million Brits jet to the sun-drenched European holiday destination every year, with just under 50,000 expats – including me – having relocated.
After moving to Lisbon in the summer of 2020, I slowly but surely began to understand that Portuguese locals harbour a few thoughts about our nation.
They might be very fond of us, but they still view some of the ways in which we leave the house and go about our day with a combination of shock and fascination…
There are a number of ways Brits dress that instantly give us away, according to Portuguese local Maria – and it’s not just the tell-tale sunburn.
“Men will often wear football T-shirts and others sporty clothing out and about,” says the 32-year-old.
“Whereas women tend to like short skirts of dresses, and generally use more make-up and style their hair in a more ‘done up’ way – in contrast to Portuguese women who prefer more of a ‘natural’ look.”
Gonçalo, another Portuguese native who is also 32, agrees, noting: “The stereotype is that British women have dyed blonde hair.”
He adds: “Younger men often wear vests, and older men usually wear longer cargo shorts with pockets along with socks and sandals.”
There’s one outfit, says Maria, that really takes the crown as the most ‘British’ of all: fancy dress.
Maria says: “No one wears it in Portugal, not even for Halloween or stag dos.
“I vividly remember seeing a guy in a mankini in the Algarve once and instantly knowing he was a Brit.”
Those visiting from the UK can also be easily identified by our behaviour, particularly in relation to what we consider to be a good evening out.
Maria continues: “Brits can be found drinking at what the Portuguese think are really unsociable hours.
“You also order really big glasses of beer that go warm – whereas locals prefer small bottles as they stay cool in the sun.”
She adds: “The stereotype is that you also like leaving the beach way too early – Portuguese head home at 8pm to get ready for the evening.
“But by this point Brits have already eaten dinner and are ready to go out.”
It’s important to note that Portuguese people don’t mind our lack of ability to speak their language – although they appreciate the effort – and are very happy to communicate in English.
However, Gonçalo reveals that locals find our love for saying two key words on repeat rather hilarious.
He says: “If we speak with you then there will be at least a thousand ‘sorrys’ and ‘thank yous’ said when once would be fine.”
Shortly after moving to Lisbon, I first heard about the two secret – and rather unusual – nicknames the Portuguese have for Brits.
The first is ‘camone’ – pronounced ‘cam-moan’ – that is used in relation to people who speak English as their first language.
That means that while there are many other northern European visitors to Portugal – like Germans, Dutch and those from Scandinavian countries – this nickname is enlisted for us alone.
It comes from the words “come on”, which natives used to frequently hear Brits say to one another when we first started holidaying in the country in our droves several decades ago.
While ‘camone’ may be said in a hushed way by the Portuguese, instead of ‘inglês’ – which when spoken is easier for us to translate – it is usually meant endearingly and isn’t generally intended to be offensive.
However, the other funny nickname locals have for us – while also not meant to be rude – is less than flattering.
It is ‘bife’ – pronounced ‘bee-fee’ – and is the Portuguese word for a meat steak, of the kind you’ll probably tuck into in one of their restaurants.
As you can imagine, Brits have earnt the nickname thanks to our habit of sunbathing without slathering on enough sun protection onto our skin – leaving many of us alarmingly red in the eyes of the locals.
Still, just like camone, the nickname bife is not something to take offence to – and you should just laugh it off, while applying a bit of extra SPF…
