Portuguese edit

Etymology edit

Borrowed from Spanish maleante.

Pronunciation edit

 
  • (Brazil) IPA(key): /me.liˈɐ̃.t͡ʃi/ [me.lɪˈɐ̃.t͡ʃi], (faster pronunciation) /meˈljɐ̃.t͡ʃi/
    • (Southern Brazil) IPA(key): /me.liˈɐ̃.te/ [me.lɪˈɐ̃.te], (faster pronunciation) /meˈljɐ̃.te/

  • Hyphenation: me‧li‧an‧te

Noun edit

meliante m or f by sense (plural meliantes)

  1. delinquent, criminal, outlaw
    Synonyms: delinquente, bandido, criminoso
  2. layabout (someone who does not work)
    Synonym: vagabundo
  3. (figuratively) a despicable, shameless person