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Malandro

nounPronunciation: /məˈlæn.droʊ/

In Portuguese: Malandro

What does “Malandro” mean?

A cunning, charming rogue or hustler in Brazilian culture who navigates life with wit, agility, and improvisational ease.

Etymology

Borrowed from Portuguese malandro (a clever street rogue, urban hustler). The origin of the Portuguese word is doubtful: it is usually linked to the older form malandrim and to Italian malandrino (bandit, rogue), but the connection is not firmly established. In English the word is used as a cultural term borrowed from Brazilian Portuguese, particularly in discussions of samba and urban Brazilian identity.

Synonyms

  • rogue
  • hustler
  • trickster

Concepts

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

shogunatenoun
A feudal military dictatorship in Japan, headed by a shogun, in which loyalty and honour were central to its operation. The system was exclusive to Japan and did not exist in other Asian nations.
Monoclenoun
A single eyeglass lens designed to correct or enhance vision in one eye, held in place by the facial muscles around the eye socket.
samurainoun
A member of the warrior class of feudal Japan, bound by codes of loyalty and honour, who served under the shogunate system. In the article, the samurai class is one of the two groups with access to Noh theatre.
Aûsunoun
An Old Tupi noun denoting love, affection, friendship, or benevolent regard.
Aûsubverb
An Old Tupi transitive verb meaning to love, care for, or hold someone in deep esteem.
Bilingualadjective
Possessing the ability to speak two languages fluently, or conducted using two distinct linguistic mediums.
Decorumnoun
Behavior in keeping with good taste, propriety, and established standards of dignity.
espressonoun
A concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans.
Hinarionoun
A consecrated book or collection of received spiritual hymns sung in rhythm to structure and guide ceremonies in Santo Daime.
Hookahnoun
A traditional water pipe of Middle Eastern origin used for smoking specially prepared flavored tobacco.
Legacynoun
An enduring body of work, set of values, or material inheritance handed down from a predecessor to future generations.

Also from these editions: terms

Stigmanoun
A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
Crystallizeverb
To take definite, structured, or concrete shape after an initial period of ambiguity or fluidity.
Dialecticaladjective
Relating to the logical discussion of ideas, opinions, or the dynamic interplay of opposing forces.
Frivolousadjective
Lacking any serious purpose or substantive value, characterized by triviality and superficiality.
Heterogeneousadjective
Composed of diverse, dissimilar elements, individuals, or cultural traditions joined together.
Ludicadjective
Of, relating to, or characterized by play, games, and lighthearted recreation.
Manuscriptnoun
A book, document, or piece of music written or typed by hand rather than mass printed.
Narcolepticadjective
Relating to, affected by, or resembling a neurological condition characterized by sudden, involuntary bouts of deep sleep.
Polymathnoun
A person of broad and comprehensive knowledge who excels across multiple distinct intellectual disciplines.
Subproletarianadjective
Relating to or belonging to an impoverished social stratum positioned below the regular industrial working class.
Synthesisnoun
The combination of separate elements, ideas, or entities into a unified, coherent whole.

Also from these editions: concepts

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Cite this entry

“Malandro”. Agency Wiki, Agency Brasil. Published on November 11, 2026. https://www.agencybrasil.com/en/wiki/dictionary/malandro