PORTUGAL has long been a favourite of British holidaymakers – thanks to its glorious weather, beautiful beaches and cheap holidays.
However, those jetting in from the UK have amassed quite the reputation among the locals over the years.
Lauren ClarkI loved to Lisbon three years ago – and learned about the names the locals have for Brits[/caption]
Lauren ClarkHow you act and how you dress can make you stand our among the Portuguese[/caption]
While they have a special place in their heart for us, they still view some of the ways in which we dress and act with a mixture of amusement and horror.
More than half a billion Brits travel to the sun-drenched European hotspot every year, while there are just over 40,000 expats who now call it home – including me.
It wasn’t long after moving to Lisbon, almost three years ago, that I learnt about the two secret – and rather unusual – nicknames the Portuguese have for Brits.
What do Portuguese actually call Brits abroad?
The first is ‘camone’ – pronounced ‘cam-moan’ – which is used for people who speak English as their first language.
So while there are many other northern European visitors to Portugal – like Germans, Dutch and those from Scandinavian countries – this nickname is used for us alone.
It derives 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 the ‘inglês’ – which is easier for us to translate – it is usually meant endearingly and isn’t generally intended to be offensive.
However, the other nickname locals have for us, while also not meant to be rude, is slightly less than flattering.
It is ‘bife’ – pronounced ‘bee-fee’ – and is the Portuguese word for a meat steak, of the kind you may order in one of their restaurants.
As you can imagine, Brits have acquired the nickname thanks to our tendency to sunbathe without using enough sun protection on our generally paler skin – leaving 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.
However, while trying to slather on the sun cream and speak Portuguese where I can, I’ve soon discovered there are many ways in which us Brits can still be spotted from a mile off…
How do the Portuguese spot a ‘camone’ or a ‘bife’?
According to Portuguese local Maria, 30, there are a number of ways Brits dress that instantly give them away as being camones or bifes – and it’s not just the tell-tale sunburn.
“Men will often wear football T-shirts and others sporty clothing out and about,” she says.
“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.”
Another Portuguese native called Gonçalo, also 30, 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.”
However, there’s one key outfit, Maria says, that Portuguese people wouldn’t be seen dead in: 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.”
Other camone and bife traits can be detected in 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 worth noting that Portuguese people don’t mind Brits’ 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.”
Lauren ClarkBe polite and blend in, and the locals will like you[/caption] Read More