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Malakas (Greek: nom. μαλάκας, voc./acc. μαλάκα, fem ῾μαλάκω῾) is a slang word, roughly equivalent to wanker, although it is usually employed where English would use asshole or jerk. According to other unofficial sources, malakas derives from the ancient Greek word "malthakos (μαλθακός)'", which means "soft" or "spoilt, well-used to luxuries of life".

Usage

In modern Greek, the word malakas is used metaphorically in everyday speech to define the individual that uses no common sense, who instead repeats the same mistakes many times over, while maintaining an attitude of self-righteousness. The relation is probably derived by the common notion according to which excessive masturbation harms the brain. While various swear words wax and wane in popularity, malakas is quite unaffected by phenomena such as this, being characterised by a certain timelesness. In addition, in parts of the world outside Greece, with significant Greek population (e.g. the States), the word malakas appears well known among non-Greek people too. This is perhaps an example of significant cultural exchange.

It falls into the class of slang where it is appropriate to use amongst friends, but may be considered an insult when used against strangers or enemies.

Malakas (female: μαλάκω mala'ko, or also μαλάκας) can also be used in a variety of ways in modern Greek, according to the circumstance and the way the word is stressed:

• In a phrase such as "Poor malakas", it is used affectionately.
• Used imploringly, as in the phrase "Ela re malaka" (equivalent to "man" in the American "Come on, man")
• Used to convey disapproval (perhaps when the request of the previous usage is denied, "Ti malakas" ("What a jerk").
• As part of expressions of awe, admiration or surprise, as in "o, re malaka!", typically not referring to other persons present
• In a vulgar form it literally means "wanker". To give some emphasis to the aforementioned one could use the compound word 'hontro-malakas', meaning simply big-malakas, or the superlative 'poly malakas', meaning very malakas. The expression 'grande-malakas', which sounds french-greek, is also common and its meaning more or less obvious.
• Surprisingly though, its main everyday use is as a vocative form of displaying one's befriending:
  • Malakas is also one of the most common Modern Greek word known worldwide, and one of the very few such words not referring to typical products or places.
  • Malakas is also used sometimes as a mild ethnic slur versus Greeks, when used by non-Greeks, because of its very common everyday usage.
  • "Yia sou re malaka!" among friends, although it is not suggested that you call a stranger “malaka”. (This parallels Australians use of "bastard" and the British use of "mate".)

Malakia

"Malakia" (abstract noun) is used as

• The literal act of wanking
• A slang word for semen specifically produced by that act.
• It also can be used to describe nonsense (better translated as bullshit)
• An item considered worthless, a whatchamacallit.
• A mistake, or (ironically and degradingly) a time-consuming non-productive action, eg. someone who is doing geeky things like studying Klingon language or playing video games, he is "μαλακίζεται" (is doing malakia) as a macho neo-Greek would comment. The parallel exists since these actions are a way to consume excessive energy and satisfy a desire, more or less like wanking.

In many cases, when someone wants to refer to acts classifying as "Malakia" or to a person classifying as "Malakas" this can by implied by the up-and-down movement of a closed fist (clear allusion to the act of masturbation).

Interestengly, malakas/malakia is the ideal word for mainstream greeks to describe persons or actions that can be classified as geeky.

Other Languages

• In Latin malacia, denotes calm sea.
• In the Philippines, the word "Malakas" means "strong", and is the name of the first man (equivalent of Adam) in the local creation myth.
• In South-East Asia, Malaka is the name of a region/kingdom/city/straits. It is also found as Malacca, Melaka (Malay language) and other forms.

See also

• Classical definition of effeminacy
• re (exclamation)

References

1. Tegopoulos, Fytrakis (1997). Μείζον Ελληνικό Λεξικό ("Mízon Hellinikó Lexikó"). Ekdoseis Armonia A.E. p. 676. ISBN 960-7598-04-0.
2. Malakas.org: Humorous site

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