A modinha (pronounced [mod??i'?a] in Brazilian Portuguese) is affectionate (grammatically called 'diminutive') form of the Portuguese noun “moda” which means (in today’s common usage) 'fashion'.[1] The word “moda” is also used in Portugal, today, generally referring to traditional regional songs. In Portugal, “modinha” was, from the last third part of the 18th to the beginning of 19th century, a general term designating sentimental songs in Portuguese.[2]