The Spanish word 'mandinga' comes from the Mandinka language of West Africa. It derives from 'mandi' meaning 'child of mother', which itself comes from 'ma' meaning 'mother'. The term came to refer to the Mandinka people and their language. The Mandinka are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, particularly present in countries like Mali, Guinea, and Senegal.

There aren't any simpler or more common Spanish words that share this etymology, as 'mandinga' comes directly from the Mandinka language and represents a unique cultural borrowing into Spanish.

While there aren't any common English words directly related to 'mandinga', English speakers might recognize the term 'Mandinka' or 'Malinke', which refer to the same ethnic group and come from the same origin. These terms are sometimes encountered in historical or cultural contexts when discussing West African history and culture.