The word "chama" has several meanings depending on context, but it is primarily a Portuguese word that literally means "flame" or "fire." In Brazilian Portuguese slang, "chama" is widely used to express excitement, energy, or a call to action, similar to saying "let's go" or "come on" in English. It can also mean "call" or "summon" in everyday speech, like "chama ele" meaning "call him." The term gained global popularity in part due to UFC fighter Alex Pereira, who uses it as a catchphrase to hype up moments and convey passion and intensity. Additionally, "chama" can also mean something like "bro" or "hey dude" in slang usage. Outside Portuguese, in some Latin American Spanish dialects, "chama" can colloquially mean "girl" or "young woman," notably in Venezuela and the Caribbean. Scientifically, "Chama" is also a genus of bivalve mollusks, but this is less commonly referred to in daily conversation. In summary, "chama" most commonly means:
- Literally: flame or fire in Portuguese
- Slang: expression of excitement, motivation, or a call to action ("let's go," "come on")
- Everyday: to call or summon someone
- Informally: like "bro" or "hey dude" in Brazilian slang
- Colloquial Spanish: refers to a girl (in some countries)
These meanings make "chama" a culturally rich word with literal and figurative uses depending on the situation.
