The Spanish word 'gandalla' meaning 'an abusive or opportunistic person' has an interesting journey from Germanic roots. It traces back to the Proto-Germanic word *windaną meaning 'to wind or twist', which evolved into *wandijaną meaning 'to turn or change'. This then developed into the Gothic word 𐍅𐌰𐌽𐌳𐌾𐌰𐌽 (wandjan) meaning 'to turn'.

The word made its way into Catalan as 'gandir' meaning 'to enjoy or profit', and then 'gandalla' meaning 'net or cap'. The Spanish word 'gandalla' took on a metaphorical meaning, describing someone who takes advantage of others - perhaps drawing a connection between the idea of 'catching' or 'ensnaring' others for one's own profit, similar to how a net catches things.

While 'gandalla' is primarily used in Mexican Spanish, there aren't many commonly used simpler Spanish words that share its exact Germanic etymology. However, understanding its connection to the concept of 'turning' and 'profiting' can help remember its modern meaning of an opportunistic person.

While English and Spanish 'gandalla' share distant Germanic roots related to 'winding' and 'turning', the English words 'wind' (as in to wind up something) and 'wend' (as in to wend one's way) are cognates from the same Proto-Germanic root *windaną. This connection can help English speakers remember that a 'gandalla' is someone who 'winds' their way into situations for their own advantage.