As we’ve learned, it’s proper to say “estar satisfeito” rather than “estar cheio” when referring to eating. For example, if someone offers you a second helping but you’re full, you would say, “Não, obrigado. Estou satisfeito.” But there’s a great expression about having a full stomach, among many Brazilian expressions involving food.

You can either say reclamar de barriga cheia (complain about a full stomach) or chorar de barriga cheia (weep over a full stomach). They both mean to complain for no reason, or have no reason to complain, since the person is showing ingratitude in some form. Let’s look at some examples.

Estou tão cansado. Estou trabalhando muito. Mas não quero reclamar de barriga cheia. I’m so tired. I’m working a lot. But I don’t want to needlessly complain.

Ela estava reclamando da viagem para Europa. Falei para ela, ‘Ainda vai chorar de barriga cheia?’ She was complaining about her trip to Europe. I told her, ‘Are you really going to complain for no reason?’

Mãe, não gostei do presente da tia. Queria um Playstation, não um Wii. Mom, I didn’t like auntie’s gift. I wanted a Playstation, not a Wii.

Vai reclamar de barriga cheia, filho? Are you going to complain needlessly, son?

Can you think of other examples?