X9

Portuguese

Etymology

Different origins are proposed. One relates it to Secret Agent X-9, a comics detective character. Another one connects it to the inmates of "pavilion 9" of the former Carandiru Penitentiary, many of which were informers.

Pronunciation

 

• (Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˈʃiz ˈnɔ.vi/

• (Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˈʃiz ˈnɔ.vi/
  • (Rio de Janeiro) IPA^(key): /ˈʃiʒ ˈnɔ.vi/
  • (Southern Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˈʃiz ˈnɔ.ve/

 

• (Portugal) IPA^(key): /ˈʃiʒ ˈnɔ.vɨ/

• (Portugal) IPA^(key): /ˈʃiʒ ˈnɔ.vɨ/
  • (Northern Portugal) IPA^(key): /ˈʃiʒ ˈnɔ.bɨ/ [ˈʃiʒ ˈnɔ.βɨ]

Noun

X9 m or f by sense (plural X9s)

1. (Brazil, slang) snitch, informer, grass

   Synonyms: dedo-duro, delator, linguarudo