Novinhas Meaning and Definition
Novinhas
Pronunciation
/nɔviˈnjas/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A small, delicate, or youthful person
Examples
- The child was a novinha with a mop of curly hair.
- The figurine on the shelf was a delicate novinha with a smile.
- The singer was dubbed a novinha by the media, due to her innocent and sweet demeanor.
- She was a novinha at the party, dancing with the other young kids.
Etymology
The word “Novinhas” is derived from the Portuguese term “novinha”, meaning “young girl” or “youthful person”, and is used to describe someone with a childlike or innocent quality.
Usage Notes
Use “Novinhas” to describe someone who is youthful, delicate, or innocent, often in a figurative sense. Be cautious when using this term, as it may be perceived as condescending or patronizing if used to refer to an adult.
Cultural References
“Novinhas” has been used in various contexts, including literature, music, and film. For example, the term has been used to describe a young girl in the novel “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Toda novinha tem um ditado”: This Portuguese phrase literally means “Every young girl has a saying” but is used to describe the innocence and naivety of a young girl.
Related Words or Phrases
- Young
- Innocent
- Delicate
- Naive
Collocations
- Childlike
- Youthful
- Innocent
- Delicate
Frequency of Use
“Novinhas” is a relatively uncommon word, but it may be used in certain cultural or literary contexts to describe someone with a youthful or innocent quality.
Common Misspellings
moinhas, novinha, novinhae