Meia vs. peúga
In the Portuguese language, both meia and peúga are used to describe a sock, but the choice between them depends largely on the region and frequency of usage. While one is universal, the other is geographically specific.
Meia
A1This is the standard, universal term for sock used in all Portuguese-speaking countries, including Brazil, Portugal, and Angola. It applies to all lengths and types, from ankle socks to knee-highs.
Eu preciso comprar um par de meias brancas para correr.
(I need to buy a pair of white socks for running.)
Você viu onde eu coloquei a minha meia esquerda?
(Did you see where I put my left sock?)
No inverno, nada é melhor do que meias grossas de lã.
(In winter, nothing is better than thick wool socks.)
Ela gosta de usar meias coloridas para ir à escola.
(She likes to wear colorful socks to go to school.)
Tire as meias molhadas antes de entrar na sala.
(Take off your wet socks before entering the living room.)
Peúga
C1This word is used almost exclusively in European Portuguese (Portugal). It typically refers to a standard foot sock (often a short or men's sock), generally considered more colloquial or specific than the general term.
O rapaz tinha um buraco na peúga do pé direito.
(The boy had a hole in the sock on his right foot.)
Estas peúgas de algodão são muito resistentes.
(These cotton socks are very durable.)
Vou oferecer um par de peúgas ao meu avô no Natal.
(I am going to give a pair of socks to my grandfather for Christmas.)
As tuas peúgas estão espalhadas pelo chão do quarto.
(Your socks are scattered all over the bedroom floor.)
Ele prefere usar peúgas curtas com sapatilhas.
(He prefers wearing short socks with sneakers.)
Summary
The main difference is regional: meia is understood everywhere and is the primary word in Brazil, whereas peúga is a specifically European Portuguese term, often used for shorter or men's socks. If you want to be understood by everyone, meia is the safest choice.