A scoundrel does not act according to the law
Of reprehensible action
The idea of a scoundrel usually refers to someone who engages in reprehensible behavior , whether from an ethical or legal point of view. A scoundrel does evil , commits crimes , etc.
For example: "This morning I went to the bakery, I left my bike at the door for a few moments and a thug stole it from me" , "I don't want you to hang out with that thug, he'll lead you down the wrong path" , "The neighbors caught the thug who was throwing stones at cars" .
Throughout these three examples we see different situations in which the speaker talks about a third party calling him a "thug" , either because of his actions at that time or because of his reputation. The first one has a particular nuance, since it does not clearly express whether the victim of the robbery saw the thief taking his bicycle; for this reason, the use of the term "thug" is not so precise, but rather arises from the assumption that someone with these characteristics kept his vehicle.
The second sentence shows a clear prejudice towards the person being talked about, because he does not justify the accusation with evidence: he calls him a scoundrel , probably because of what he has heard about him , but he has not yet done anything against the speaker or his interlocutor. Finally, this adjective is used to refer to a vandal who was causing damage to vehicles in the middle of a public road, an act that is undoubtedly reprehensible.
Some synonyms
In several countries, terms equivalent to malandrín with similar meanings are used. In this sense we can find words such as malandro or malandra . Although it depends on the context and the region, a malandrín, a malandro or a malandra is a subject who acts outside the law or whose behavior is questionable for moral or civil reasons.
On the other hand, we can mention some more general synonyms, which do not always allow us to replace the original in any context, but give us a broader and deeper look at its different nuances: scoundrel, evil, rogue, villain, rascal and knave are among the most common. Regarding its antonyms, among the many that denote behavior acceptable to society, we highlight good, upright, respectful and honorable .
Having said all this, it is necessary to point out that, as with other words in our language, malandrín can be used in a joking tone or without referring to its meaning in a strict way, simply to call the attention of someone who does not behave in a responsible manner . It can even have a certain affectionate connotation if it is used to talk about someone younger than you, or a child.
For example, if a person tells his or her child , "Come here, you rascal, we need to wash those clothes before he or she goes out walking on his or her own," he or she is not calling him or her a "delinquent," but rather using this term to refer to his or her mischievous nature and to minimize the seriousness of his or her actions , which are not worrying because they do not involve violence but personal carelessness and excessive physical activity.
A naughty child may be called a naughty boy in a loving tone.
Medieval scoundrel
A malandrín is also known as someone who was part of a free company or white company (an army of mercenaries ) in the Middle Ages . The term malandrines is usually used to refer to those who fought under the orders of Bertrand du Guesclin (or Beltrán Duguesclín ) supporting the forces of Henry II of Castile in the so-called First Castilian Civil War that lasted from 1351 to 1369 .
The criminals were usually criminals and retired soldiers. They committed all kinds of excesses in their actions, which is why they were feared.