Pelé name added in dictionary as synonym for ‘unique’

Pelé name added in dictionary as synonym for ‘unique’.

A Brazilian dictionary has added “Pelé” as an adjective to use when describing someone who is “exceptional, incomparable or unique.”

One of Brazil’s most widely used Portuguese dictionaries, Michaelis, has introduced “pelé” as a new adjective to its online version.

The addition happened as a result of more than 125,000 people signing a petition organized by the Pelé Foundation to honor the football legend.

Pelé died in December aged 82.

“pe.lé® adj m+f sm+f That or someone who is out of the ordinary, who or who by virtue of their quality, value or superiority cannot be equalled to anything or anyone, just like Pelé®,” says the dictionary entry which was unveiled at the Summit Sports event, in Pacaembu, on Wednesday.

“Edson’s nickname Arantes do Nascimento (1940-2022), considered the greatest athlete of all time; exceptional, incomparable, unique. Examples: He is the Pele of basketball, she is the Pele of tennis, she is the Pele of Brazilian dramaturgy, he is the Pele of medicine”

A plaque was given to Pele’s family along with the entry, and Michaelis has already made it available online. Additionally, the definition will be included in the upcoming printed edition.

“The Pele campaign in the dictionary is one of the most original we have ever participated. His name in the dictionary is a very important piece of his legacy that will keep Pele alive forever,” said Joe Fraga, executive director of the Pele Foundation.

He is regarded as the greatest footballer in history because he is the only player to have won the World Cup three times.

He scored a record 1,281 goals in his two-decade playing career with the New York Cosmos, Brazil’s national team, and Brazilian club Santos.