URSAL

See also: ursal

Portuguese

Etymology

Acronym of União das Repúblicas Socialistas da América Latina (“Union of the Socialist Republics of Latin America”). It is also related to urso +‎ -al, meaning ursal, bearish (“of or relating to bears”).

This term was originally coined as a satire in 2001 by Brazilian sociologist Maria Lúcia Victor Barbosa. In 2006, it was treated seriously as a conspiracy theory in an article for the Jornal do Comércio (Journey of Commerce) by Brazilian writer Olavo de Carvalho. In 2018, the conspiracy theory was popularized in Brazil by presidential candidate Cabo Daciolo.

Proper noun

URSAL f

1. (Brazil, often humorous) A Soviet Union-like organization claimed to be formed by Latin American countries.

Usage notes

Although this term originated as satire, it is also sometimes treated seriously as a conspiracy theory, either claimed to be a present organization or one that might be formed in the future.