Noun
/maluŋgo/
In Puerto Rico, "malungo" is used as a term of endearment or familiarity towards a friend or acquaintance. It is commonly used in an informal context and is similar to "pal" in English. It is more frequently used in oral speech rather than in written context.
Spanish: ¡Hola, malungo! ¿Cómo estás? English: Hello, pal! How are you?
Spanish: ¡Vamos al cine, malungo! English: Let's go to the movies, buddy!
In Puerto Rican Spanish, "malungo" is often used in various idiomatic expressions to refer to a friend or close companion:
Spanish: Ir de malungo. English: To go as a group.
Spanish: Estar con su malungo. English: To be with one's pals.
Spanish: Como malungos y cachíbaros. English: Together and united.
Spanish: Ser malungo de alguien. English: To be someone's close friend.
The origin of the term "malungo" in Puerto Rican Spanish is not entirely clear. It is believed to have African roots, possibly derived from the Bantu language.