Brazilian Portuguese the last decades of the 20th century, due to the popularity of Brazilian music and Brazilian soap operas. Since Brazil joined Mercosul, the South American free trade zone, Portuguese has been increasingly studied as a foreign language in Spanish-speaking partner countries. Many words of Brazilian origin (also used in other Portuguese-speaking countries) have also entered into English: samba, bossa nova, cruzeiro, milreis and capoeira. While originally Angolan, the word "samba" only became famous worldwide because of its popularity in Brazil. After independence in 1822, Brazilian idioms with African and Amerindian influences were brought to Portugal by returning Portuguese Brazilians ("luso-brasileiros"
Coco (music) by Brazilian slaves who broke coconuts with rocks for their masters. Coco (music) Coco is an African-influenced musical rhythm that originated in Northern Brazil. "Coco" may also refer to the style of dance performed to the music, a kind of stomping. The name "Coco" (Portuguese for "coconut") is a common Northeastern Brazilian slang for head, referring to the fact that song lyrics are often improvised. Coco is often performed with a repetitive musical beat and call and response singing reminiscent of Capoeira music. The music is commonly performed at traditional parties in the Northeast, such as weekend street parties and