A word of Greek origin still used today.  It is considered inappropriate to use against strangers, while it is acceptable among close friends, typically among males, resembling the meaning of “dude” or “mate”. There are significant parallels between the word malakas and the word ‘nigga’ used by some African Americans between each other giving them a sense of friendship or brotherhood. Additionally, females may use the word even in an affectionate way.^[4]

[4] Karamitsiou, Areti. “University of Essex – Department of Language & Linguistics”. Sociolinguisteessex x. Retrieved 2006-11-30. [From Wikipedia online article, “Malakas”]