30 May 2014

picaresque

[pik-uh-resk]

adjective

1. pertaining to, characteristic of, or characterized by a form of prose fiction, originally developed in Spain, in which the adventures of an engagingly roguish hero are described in a series of usually humorous or satiric episodes that often depict, in realistic detail, the everyday life of the common people: picaresque novel; picaresque hero.
2. of, pertaining to, or resembling rogues.

Origin:
1800–10; < Spanish picaresco. See picaro, -esque

Related forms
un·pic·a·resque, adjective

Can be confused: picaresque, picturesque (see synonym study at picturesque).

Synonyms
2. prankish, rascally, devilish, raffish.

Anagram

risque cape
epic square
cirque apes
pace squire

Today’s aphorism

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.

– John F. Kennedy

On this day

30 May 1778 – death of François-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire. French enlightment writer, historian and philosopher. A man of wit who advocated freedom of religion, freedom of expression and separation of church and state. Voltaire wrote more than 20,000 letters, 2,000 books and pamphlets. He criticised intolerance, religious dogma and social institutions. Born 21 November 1694.

30 May 1911 – death of Milton Bradley, U.S. board-game maker, credited with launching the board-game industry. Born 8 November 1836.