malaka

Malaka (Greek: μαλάκας) is a modern Greek term widely recognized as a vulgar insult. The word is used to refer to someone perceived as foolish, incompetent, or obnoxious, and it can function as a noun, an epithet, or an interjection. In casual speech, malaka can be directed at a person as a harsh insult, but among close friends it may be used playfully with a different, less severe nuance. Outside Greece, the term appears in subtitles, films, music, and online slang, where it conveys strong profanity and is generally understood by speakers of Greek or fans of Greek media.

Etymology and forms: The term derives from the ancient Greek malakos meaning soft or soft-handed, and the modern masculine form malakas evolved to describe a person perceived as weak, cowardly, or foolish. The vocative form malaka is commonly used in direct address; plural forms include malakes. The word is part of a family of Greek insult terms that reflect social judgments about behavior, masculinity, or status.

Usage and cultural notes: Malaka is considered vulgar and offensive in formal or mixed company. Its acceptability varies by region, age group, and relationship between speakers; some use it jokingly among friends, while others reserve it for genuinely insulting situations. In translation, the term is often rendered as "jerk," "wanker," or "asshole," depending on context and censorship levels. It should not be confused with geographic names or with similarly spelled terms in other languages.