SCARAMOUCH Meaning and
Definition
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Scaramouch is a noun that refers to a stock character in the Italian commedia dell'arte, a form of improvised theater popular from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The term also has broader connotations in contemporary usage.
In commedia dell'arte, Scaramouch is commonly depicted as a roguish and cowardly servant. He is often dressed in a black or dark blue costume, adorned with a wide-brimmed hat and a white ruffled collar. Scaramouch's primary role is to create comic relief through his exaggerated gestures, wit, and physical comedy. He frequently finds himself entangled in ludicrous situations and comedic misunderstandings.
Beyond the realm of theater, the term "scaramouch" has come to signify a person who is brash, boastful, or foppish in nature. It can be used as a derogatory term to describe someone who is arrogant or self-important, often without the qualities they claim to possess. Additionally, the term has gained traction in political discourse, referring to politicians or public figures who engage in bluffing or showboating, without substantial actions or achievements to back up their claims.
In summary, "scaramouch" originally referred to a specific character in Italian theater, but its meaning has expanded to encompass broader societal implications in contemporary usage.
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A buffoon in motley dress, a personage in old Italian comedy; any poltroon and braggadocio.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SCARAMOUCH
Etymology of SCARAMOUCH
The word "scaramouch" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Italian language, specifically from the phrase "Schiavone-scarabuccio", which means "Shall we run away like cowards?" The term "scaramuccia" itself refers to a character in the traditional Italian comic theater known as Commedia dell'arte. Scaramuccia was typically portrayed as a stock character who was a braggart and a coward, often depicted wearing a black mask.
Over time, the word "scaramouch" was borrowed into other languages, including English, and came to be used more broadly to describe a cowardly or boastful person. The term also appears in the English nursery rhyme "Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?" made famous by the British rock band Queen in their song "Bohemian Rhapsody".
Similar spelling words for SCARAMOUCH
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