joss

Chinese idol of a deity. Portuguese “deos”=god < Latin “deus”=God.

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cuspidor

A dish into which someone spits; a spittoon. Portuguese “cuspidor”=spitter < “cuspir”=to spit < Latin “conspuere”=to spit upon,

monsoon

Seasonal wind in South and South East Asia that can bring heavy rain. Portuguese “moncao” < Arabic “mawsim”=season.

travado

Sudden violent storm of wind and rain with thunder and lightning; a tornado. Portuguese “travados” < “travar”=to twist, twine.

maracas

Hollow balls with handles, shaken to make a sound. Portuguese “maraca” < Tupi “mbaraka” < “mara”=noise + “aka”=chief.

molasses

Thick, brown, uncrystallized syrup drained from raw sugar. Portuguese “melaco” < Latin “mellacium” < “mel”=honey.

escudo

Currency of Cape Verde. Portuguese “escudo” < Latin “scutum”=shield.

fetish

Unusual sexual fixation on an object or activity. Portuguese “feitco”=a charm < Latin “factitius”=made by art < “facere”=to make.

capoeira

Brazilian dance with martial arts actions. Portuguese “capoeira”= a martial art ? > Umbundu “kapwila”=blow, beating.

palaver

A dispute, quarrel, or misunderstanding; a fuss. West African pidgin < Portuguese “palavra”=word, talk < Latin “parabol”=discourse.