Mocorongo is a typical word from Brazilian popular vocabulary, being more common as a synonymous with "hillbilly" or person who lives in the countryside.
However, this term can have several other different meanings, depending on the context in which it is used.
Individuals who are natural or live in the region of the Tapajós River are also called mocorongo, in addition to those who were born in the city of Santarém, in the state of Pará.
According to some etymological studies, the true meaning of the term mocorongo has roots in indigenous culture, as a synonym for humility and receptivity.
However, currently, the main meaning given to this word is pejorative, as it usually adjectives individuals with clumsy behavior, considered stupid, silly or slow-witted.
Mocorongo is also a name widely used in the interior of some states in the Midwest and Southeast regions of Brazil, mainly to designate rural workers. However, it is customary to use this term to call, pejoratively, the hillbilly or a mulatto person from the mountain region.
The mocorongo name became popular in Brazil after a soap opera on Rede Globo, where the word was used to describe a silly person, intensifying its pejorative sense.
Due to the negative association of the name, those born in Santarém, Pará, ended up adopting the Gentile "Santarene" to name individuals who are natives of this city.
See also the meaning of fool.