Mamelouk - Other Uses of The Word

Other Uses of The Word

Mameluco is a Portuguese word derived from "mamluk" (also named ameluco in Spanish), used to identify people of mixed European and Amerindian descent in South America. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Mameluco also referred to organized bands of Portuguese slave-hunters based at São Paulo, known primarily as bandeirantes.

Mammaluccu in the Sicilian dialect is used to mean stupid, idiot or simpleton.

Mameluk was used in Hungary in the last decades of the 19th century as a nickname for Members of Parliament belonging to the governing "Liberal" party. This party governed Hungary for 30 years (1875–1905) and its members in Parliament slavishly obeyed party leader and prime minister Kálmán Tisza to keep their parliamentary seats and accompanying privileges.

An officer of the United States Marine Corps carries a ceremonial Mameluke Sword. The United States Army also uses Mameluke swords in ceremonies.

In Italian American Vernacular English, the term "mamalook" is often used to refer to someone who does something stupid. It has roughly the same meaning as the Yiddish term "schmuck." However, mamalook is usually used in a joking way, whereas schmuck is more insulting.