Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day Podcast – "Bravado"

Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski (Merriam-Webster)

Overview

This episode’s focus is on the word "bravado." Peter Sokolowski introduces and explores its definition, origins, and nuances, providing listeners with illustrative examples and a brief etymology. The aim is to deepen understanding and encourage the effective use of "bravado" in everyday language.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Word Definition & Usage

• Bravado is spelled: B R A V A D O.
• It is a noun meaning:

  "Confident or brave talk or behavior that is intended to impress other people."

• Example from the Durango Herald, by Tracy Hines (00:49):

  "One problem that exists in the Whitewater community overall is that people don’t always understand the basic elements associated with water and their ignorance and bravado often lead to an incident where someone gets injured or killed."

2. Types and Contexts of Bravado

• Bravado can be "show offish, daring, reckless and inconsistent with good sense" (01:11).
• Example:
  • "Take, for example, the spectacular feats of stunt people, but when successful, they are still likely to be met with shouts of Bravo."
• The word is also associated with a negative connotation when displayed by “celebrities, political leaders, corporate giants and schoolyard bullies.” Here, bravado suggests “an overbearing boldness that comes from arrogance or from being in a position of power” (01:32).

3. Etymology

• "Bravado" comes from the Italian adjective ‘bravo’, meaning wild or courageous.
• English also derives the common word "brave" from the same root (01:48).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On reckless bravado:

  "Displays of bravado may be show offish, daring, reckless and inconsistent with good sense."
  — Peter Sokolowski, 01:11

• On bravado’s negative flavor:

  "Celebrities, political leaders, corporate giants and schoolyard bullies, however, may show a different flavor of bravado, one that suggests an overbearing boldness that comes from arrogance or from being in a position of power."
  — Peter Sokolowski, 01:32

• On etymology:

  "The word bravado originally comes from the Italian adjective bravo, meaning wild or courageous, which English can also thank for the more common brave."
  — Peter Sokolowski, 01:48

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:42] – Introduction of the word “bravado” and its spelling
• [00:49] – Bravado defined with a real-world media sentence
• [01:11] – Discussion of the kinds of behavior “bravado” describes
• [01:32] – Bravado seen in positions of power
• [01:48] – Word’s origin and etymology
• [01:55] – Signature Word of the Day sign-off by Peter Sokolowski

Language, Tone, & Style

• The tone is clear, educational, and engaging—matched to the classic style of Merriam-Webster’s concise yet illuminating Word of the Day.

Summary

The episode delivers an informative look at "bravado," defining it as a form of boldness or showy courage, often interpreted as reckless or arrogant, and traces its roots to the Italian “bravo.” Through examples and careful explanation, listeners are equipped to recognize, understand, and utilize "bravado" in diverse contexts.