From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Malandragem is a Brazilian Portuguese term for the Bohemian lifestyle - an ethos of idleness, fast living and petty crime - traditionally celebrated in samba lyrics, especially those of Noel Rosa. The exponent of this lifestyle, the malandro, has become significant to Brazilian national identity as a folk hero. Constantly present in Brazilian literature, besides other arts such as cinema and music, the malandro resembles the Spanish Picaro, but, differently from this, he has a more criminal character, and frequently sees his espertezas (Portuguese for smart and/or cunning) actions not working as expected.
"Malandro" could be defined as someone who:
- Never works and lives off scams;
- Is a ladies man
- Leads a bohemian life of only fun and pleasure;
- Is lazy, sluggish;
- An outlaw or pickpocket;
- Cheats and deceives in order to prevail; smart-ass.
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