Malandragem

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.

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.

The individualist malandro survives by manipulating people, fooling authorities, and sidestepping laws to ensure their well-being.

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.

Statue of Zé Pilintra , an entity in Umbanda that traditionally personifies malandros. [ 1 ]
Caricature of capoeira malandros, 1885