Hello! Your question is very interesting, but it seems that there is a small confusion. Brazilian Portuguese, like any other language, has many expressions that cannot be interpreted literally. In fact, most words, when used in sentences, acquire a meaning that goes beyond their basic definition, depending on the context.
Perhaps what you have noticed is that, compared to other languages, Portuguese has a way of expressing itself that may seem more "direct" in certain situations. This can lead to the impression that words are taken more literally, but in reality, what happens is that the language has its own nuances and idiomatic expressions, just like English, Spanish or French.
For example, phrases like "kick the bucket" (give up on something) or "have a flea behind the ear" (suspect something) are examples of idiomatic expressions. They don't make sense if you interpret each word in isolation. The same goes for the word "arm" in "give an arm to twist" (admit a mistake). The meaning of the expression is completely different from the isolated word.
Cultural and Language Differences
The way a language develops is closely linked to the culture of its people. Brazilian Portuguese, for example, has a huge wealth of slang and regionalisms that reflect the cultural diversity of the country. These slang expressions are, by definition, expressions that cannot be understood literally by those who are not familiar with the context.
Think about the word "legal". Alone, it means something that is in accordance with the law. But in Brazil, it is widely used to say that something is "good", "cool" or "pleasant". This is a great example of how a word can have a meaning very different from its literal sense, depending on the use.
The Role of Irony and Humor
The use of irony and humor also shows that words are not always taken literally. Often, we say something with a tone that indicates the opposite of what we are talking about. A classic example is saying "What a beauty!" after something bad happens, using irony to express frustration.
In summary, most languages work in a similar way: words have their literal meanings, but the way they are combined and used in different contexts creates a multitude of figurative meanings and expressions that escape the "literal" interpretation. #BTCOvertakesAmazon $Jager
