Richard Night

Malandro

Malandragem (Portuguese pronunciation: [malɐ̃ˈdɾaʒẽj]) is a Portuguese term for a lifestyle of idleness, fast living and petty crime – traditionally celebrated in samba lyrics, especially those of Noel Rosa and Bezerra da Silva. The exponent of this lifestyle, the malandro (masculine adjective), or "bad boy" (rogue, hustler, rascal, scoundrel, gangster), has become significant to Brazilian national identity as a folk hero or, rather, an anti-hero. The malandros are a classic carioca archetype. The well-dressed, work-shirking wise guy who sidesteps society’s rules to live as he pleases.The concept is common in Brazilian literature, Brazilian cinema and Brazilian music. more »