Why do Portuguese use "bifes" as a nick name for British people?

Question

It's common for people in Portugal to call Brits "bifes" which directly translates to "steak". Any ideas were this comes from?

Answer 1

because they usually turn red after several hours of sunbathing.

also note that British people are called in French rosbif, like the very good piece of beef you cook in the oven.

One possible explanation is that a lot of them are red as rosbif when you can see them on or near the beach.

in the US, if u c some1 sun burt, u may refer him as a 'fine peice of meat'

Answer 2

Because the British are reknown for their prime meats. Even in history it's been known as this. Especially as on Sundays it is usually tradition for some religious people to have a family roast. In Portugal they are very religious & the majority are Catholic, but they don eat the roast. The Portuguese well known dish is Fish especially Cod.

i.e British call Portuguese - Pork 'n' Cheese

Answer 3

My mum used to live in portugal and she thinks it's related to the fact we eat roast beef, our tradition of eating roast dinners.

Answer 4

don't know the answer but think it could be initials rather than an actual translated word?

i'm from manchester england and we got a lot of Ozzies here that we call JAFA's... just another f***ing Australian

so if you know the porto language try and work it back from there? hope i helped

Answer 5

and the French call them " ros boeuf" Roast beef : after the Beefeaters who guard The Tower ( of London)
Same thing I expect!
M

Answer 6

kitty cat is right
it has to do with "us" eating roast beef
same way we call french people "frogs" because they eat frogs legs
now i'll just hop off back to my pond

ribbit :-)~~~

Answer 7

not one clue

Answer 8

Do they??!!!

I didn't know that!!!

...always learning something...