View source for Malandragem

{{short description|Portuguese term for a lifestyle of lawlessness}}
{{italic title}}
{{redirect|Malandro}}
[[File:Zé Pelintra 2.JPG|thumb|Statue of [[Zé Pilintra]], an entity in [[Umbanda]] that traditionally personifies malandros.<Ref name="genuinaumbanda">{{cite web|access-date=3 November 2018|archive-date=2019-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323090631/http://www.genuinaumbanda.com.br/ze_pilintra.htm|author=www.genuinaumbanda.com.br|title=Zé Pelintra|url=http://www.genuinaumbanda.com.br/ze_pilintra.htm}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>]]

'''{{lang|pt-br|Malandragem}}''' ({{IPA|pt|malɐ̃ˈdɾaʒẽj}}, {{lit|roguishness}} in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]) is a lifestyle of idleness, fast living and petty crime. It is traditionally celebrated in [[samba]] lyrics, especially those of [[Noel Rosa]] and [[Bezerra da Silva]]. 
The concept is common in [[Brazilian literature]],  [[Brazilian cinema]] and [[Brazilian music]].<ref>"Popular cinema in Brazil, 1930–2001", by Stephanie Dennison, Lisa Shaw, 2004, {{ISBN|0-7190-6499-6}}, [https://books.google.com/books?id=mQsHp5Re3IoC&dq=malandragem&pg=PA21 section "Malandragem and jeitinho"]</ref>

The exponent of this lifestyle, the '''''malandro''''' (a masculine adjective), or "[[bad boy (archetype)|bad boy]]" (rogue, hustler, rascal, scoundrel, gangster), has become significant to [[Brazilians|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.<ref>[https://pelgranepress.com/2015/11/16/malandros-a-new-dramasystem-game/ Malandros – A New DramaSystem Game]</ref>

==Definition==
''Malandragem'' is a strategic approach used to gain an advantage in various situations, often of an illicit nature. It involves savoir faire and subtlety, demanding aptitude, charisma, and cunning to manipulate people or institutions for the best outcome with minimal effort.

Disregarding logic, labor, and honesty, the ''malandro'' assumes that such methods are incapable of achieving a favorable outcome. Those who practice malandragem act in the spirit of the Brazilian adage, immortalized by former Brazilian soccer player [[Gérson]] de Oliveira Nunes in a cigarette TV commercial (hence the name "[[Gérson's law]]"): "I like to gain the advantage in everything."

Malandragem is often seen as a tool for individual justice in the face of oppressive forces. The individualist ''malandro'' survives by manipulating people, fooling authorities, and sidestepping laws to ensure their well-being. In this way, the ''malandro'' is a typical Brazilian hero, with literary examples including [[Pedro Malasartes]] and [[A Dog's Will|João Grilo]].

''Malandragem'' is employed by individuals of various social positions to gain illicit advantages in gambling, business, and social interactions. A ''malandro'' may deceive others, but this doesn't necessarily make them selfish. Their use of ''malandragem'' often aims to escape unfair situations, even if it means resorting to illegal means. In fiction, ''malandragem'' is a device used to introduce wit, a characteristic of an antihero.

== In capoeira ==
[[File:Recruitment of capoeiras into the police 1885.jpg|thumb|Caricature of capoeira malandros, 1885]]

In [[capoeira]], ''malandragem'' is the ability to quickly understand an opponent's intentions, and during a fight or a game, fool, trick and deceive him.<ref>Diaz, J. D. (2017). Between repetition and variation: A musical performance of malícia in capoeira. ''Ethnomusicology Forum'', 26(1), 46–68. doi:10.1080/17411912.2017.1309297</ref> This malandragem is one of the basic tenets in the philosophy of capoeira and is similar to the cunning of the Hunter deity, [[Oshosi|Oxóssi]].{{sfn|Capoeira|2002|pp=63}}

Some of the popular proverbs among capoeiristas embodying the philosophy of malandragem include: {{sfn|Capoeira|2007|pp=59}}
* "''Quem não pode com mandinga não carrega patuá''" (He who can't handle mandinga doesn't wear a patuá). In other words, everyone should be aware of their limitations.
* "''Urubu para cantar demora''" (A vulture takes a long time to sing), or its alternative version: "''Bater papo com otário é jogar conversa fora''" (Talking to a fool is a waste of words).
* "''Valente não existe''" (There's no such thing as a tough guy). It means capoeiristas should not be misled by the appearance of "tough guys" and should acknowledge that everyone experiences fear and insecurity to varying extents. They should see the person beneath the physical strength facade, whether in themselves or others.{{sfn|Capoeira|2007|pp=59}}

==Literature==
* {{cite book |title=The Little Capoeira Book |last=Capoeira |first=Nestor |publisher=Blue Snake Books |year=2007 |isbn=9781583941980}}
* {{cite book|title=Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game|last=Capoeira|first=Nestor|publisher=Blue Snake Books|year=2002|isbn=978-1-58394-637-4}}

==See also==
*[[Gérson's law]]
*[[Jineterismo]]
*[[Jeitinho]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Brazil topics}}

[[Category:Brazilian cultural conventions]]
[[Category:Slang terms for men]]
[[Category:Stereotypes]]
[[Category:Stock characters]]
[[Category:Subcultures]]
[[Category:Crime in Brazil]]