Learning a nova (new) language is a serious thing. But having some fun enquanto (while) you do it can sempre (always) ajudar (help). As it has been mentioned in previous posts, a country’s sense of humor, culture and language are closely linked. And a good way to become familiar with Brazilian comedy is to assistir (watch) the thriving YouTube channel Porta dos Fundos.

Porta dos Fundos was created in 2012 by a comedy troupe. Their videos follow the sketch format that usually last from dois (two) to cinco (five) minutes. According to its founders, their dissatisfaction with the restrictions and lack of creative liberty in Brazilian television motivated the creation of the YouTube channel, where they could have all the artistic and comic freedom they wanted. With this autonomy, they are able to more freely satirize politics, religion, the police, sex, Brazilian customs and traditions, mock famous brands as well as simply to ridicule everyday life. Though the subject matter and sometimes politically incorrect approach may be controversial and not please todo mundo (everyone), the group still presents a very unique take on comedy that was much needed in Brazilian media.

With their acid and bold sense of humor, the channel soon went viral and reached a nation-wide success, ranking among the most viewed in the country. Porta dos Fundos has over mil (a thousand) videos, which amount to an impressive number of over 2 billions views and 11 million subscribers, a true internet phenomenon.

But, hey! Não fique triste! (Don’t be sad!) if you are not fluent in Portuguese ainda (yet), you don’t have to miss on all the diversão (fun): the Porta dos Fundos group also has a channel for international audiences called Backdoor, where it is possible to access their videos with English subtitles and descriptions so you can rir (laugh) with us and practice your Portuguese skills at the same time. I have selected seis (six) of their top sketches, so take a look:

 

Bromance

Sometimes your significant other is not the person you’re married to, but someone else who, deep inside, you always knew was your better half:

 

Casamento (Marriage)

The dreaded “speak-now-or-forever-hold-your-peace” moment always holds big surprises:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=admRH4ht94s

 

Deus (God)

We each have our own idea of God. So after dying and going to heaven, you never know what awaits for you at pearly gates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxyASyHBzzU

 

Dez Mandamentos (Ten Commandments)

Though widely accepted nowadays, the ten commandments were initially met with a lot of resistance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yn73LhlEwc

 

Fundo Verde (Chroma Key)

The movie world is truly fascinating, particularly when it comes to special effects:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTmU9VnP3Vo

 

Logout

You’ve never seen despair in a man’s eyes if you’ve never watched them realize their forgot to logout of Facebook at home:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9hvaXDO4go

 

Here’s the link to their channel in English. Subscribe if you liked them!: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBackdoorchannel/videos

Now as for their official channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/portadosfundos

Tenham um fim de semana divertido! (Have a fun weekend!)