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hustlers

[/ˈhʌslərz/]
nounpl: hustlers
malandros, agiotas, trapaceiros
1. People who obtain money or other benefits through dishonest or unscrupulous means; swindlers or con artists
The hustlers on the street corner were trying to scam tourists.
Os malandros na esquina estavam tentando enganar turistas.
2. People who work hard and aggressively to achieve their goals, especially in business or sports
Those hustlers built their business from nothing through determination.
Aqueles empreendedores construíram seu negócio do zero através da determinação.
3. Sex workers or people engaged in prostitution
The documentary followed the lives of street hustlers.
O documentário acompanhou a vida das profissionais do sexo.
NYC Slang
hustlers - same term used in NYC street slang; deeply rooted in hip-hop culture and street vernacular
Synonyms
con artistsswindlersgrifterscheatersscammersentrepreneursgo-getters
Antonyms
honest peoplelaw-abiding citizens

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
malandros
Most common term for dishonest hustlers; carries strong cultural weight
General Brazilian
agiotas
Specifically for loan sharks or illegal money lenders
São Paulo
malandros, trapaceiros
Urban context; widely understood
Rio de Janeiro
malandros, estelionatários
Strong association with local street culture
Portugal
espertalhões, trapaceiros
Portuguese Portuguese prefers these terms over 'malandros'

Related Idioms & Phrases

hustle and bustle - activity and busyness
on the hustle - actively trying to make money or succeed
hustle game - the business of making money through unorthodox means
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