From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Malakas (μαλάκας) is a Greek slang word. Malakas is is an exceptionally versatile word. The meaning varies depending on the tone and context used. It is an exclamation of pleasure, an expression of dark horror, a cry of anger, a paean of affection, and other different things besides its literal equivalent, which in British English is wanker.[1] Common alternative meanings include asshole or jerk, and the contrasting dude, or mate, depending on the context.[2] It derives from the Greek word malakos (μαλακός), which means "soft" or "spoilt, well-used to luxuries of life".[3][4][5] It is one of the most frequent words picked up by tourists and travellers to Greece and is not unusual amongst the younger Greek diaspora, even when the level of Greek is low. A female form of the word exists, malako (μαλάκω), but is a recent coinage.[citation needed]



It is considered inappropriate to use against strangers, while it is acceptable among close friends, typically among males, resembling the meaning of "dude" or "mate". There are significant parallels between the word malakas and the word 'nigga' used by some African Americans between each other giving them a sense of friendship or brotherhood. Additionally, females may use the word even in an affectionate way.[5]

Constructivist approach



Malakia, literally meaning both masturbation and semen, is often also used in a similar sense as malakas to describe nonsense, an item considered worthless, or a mistake.



  2. ^ Tegopoulos, Fytrakis (1997). Μείζον Ελληνικό Λεξικό ("Mízon Hellinikó Lexikó"). Ekdoseis Armonia A.E. p. 676. ISBN 960-7598-04-0. 
  6. ^ "IMDB Quotes for Weird Science". 
  7. ^ a b Faubion, James D. (1993). Modern Greek Lessons: A Primer in Historical Constructivism. Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-691-00050-6.  P. 223.
  8. ^ L. Rydén, The Life of St. Andrew the Fool (Uppsala, 1995), II. 329.