adjective / noun
swashbuckling
SWAHSH-buk-ling/ˈswɑːʃbʌklɪŋ/
Bold, showy daring in adventure.
The swashbuckling hero leaps aboard the enemy ship without hesitation.
Etymology
Swash and buckler seem originally to picture a fighter making menacing noises by striking a shield. The adjective carries that swaggering fighter's theatrical boldness into the sense of showy, heroic adventure.
In context
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, directed by Gore Verbinski, is a swashbuckling adventure that plunges audiences back into the fantastical world of pirates, curses, and mythical creatures.
More examples
- The novel mixes swashbuckling with romance and a search for treasure.
- She plays a swashbuckling pirate who laughs in the face of danger.
- Fans of swashbuckling enjoy the daring escapes and dramatic sword fights.
Forms
swashbuckling
swashbuckler noun — A daring adventurer with a flamboyant style.
Similar words
- adventurous
- Emphasizes willingness to explore or take risks, not showmanship.
- dashing
- Suggests stylish confidence and energy, not necessarily adventurous exploits.
- daring
- Stresses courage and risk-taking without implying a theatrical style.