brazil is one of the only countries in the world in which football players are referred to by their first names as opposed to their surnames - neymar da Silva santos junior is referred to as 'neymar' and frederico chaves guedes as 'fred' - other players are referred to by endearing or comic nicknames, such as givanido viera de souza as 'hulk', and edson arantes do nascimento as 'pelé'.

this phenomenon extends even further to political actors - president luiz inacio lula da silva was, and is, referred to across the board as 'lula' which was not even originally a part of his legal name.

whether naming a complete stranger, a best friend, or perhaps an avenue, cariocas break down and reject formality in the valiant pursuit of genuine warmth, familiarity, community, and a bit of humour.