picaresque
Say it: pik-uh-RESK /ˌpɪkəˈrɛsk/ · adjective
What “picaresque” means
Following a likeable rogue through a series of adventures.
More precisely: Telling the episodic adventures of a likeable rogue.
Example: “The film is a picaresque romp following a con artist across Europe.”
When to use it
When describing loosely linked, often comic adventures led by a charming rascal who lives by wit rather than respectability.
Similar words
episodic, roguish, rambling
Where it comes from
Spanish pícaro, 'rogue'.
Quick check
A story follows a charming trickster through separate scrapes at inns, markets and palaces. What kind of adventure is it?
picaresque or pastoral?
Show the answer
picaresque
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “picaresque”