façanha

From Old Galician-Portuguese façanna, from Old Spanish fazaña,^[1] of disputed origin. Suggested derivations include:

• Andalusian Arabic حَسَنَة (ḥasana) with influence of facer (“to do”), from Arabic حَسَنَة (ḥasana, “good deed”)^[2]
• from a form of facer (“to do”),^[3] specifically:
  • Old Spanish faciana^[4]
  • Vulgar Latin *facinus^[5]
  • Vulgar Latin *facianea, reportedly attested as fazania^[6]

• Audio (Brazil):

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• Rhymes: (Portugal) -ɐɲɐ, (Brazil) -ɐ̃ɲɐ
• Hyphenation: fa‧ça‧nha

façanha f (plural façanhas)

1. feat, achievement; deed (rare or difficult accomplishment)

   Synonyms: feito, proeza

   • 1938, Graciliano Ramos, “O menino mais novo [The Younger Son]”, in Vidas Seccas [Barren Lives], Rio de Janeiro: Livraria José Olympio Editora, page 70:

     Não se conformando com semelhante indifferença depois da façanha do pae, o menino foi accordar Baleia, que preguiçava, a barriguinha vermelha descoberta, sem vergonha.

     Unwilling to accept such indifference after his father’s feat, the boy went to wake up Baleia, who was lounging lazily, her little red belly exposed, shamelessly.

2. prowess (distinguished bravery or courage)

   Synonym: proeza