What does picaresque mean?
Definitions for picaresque
ˌpɪk əˈrɛskpi·caresque
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word picaresque.
Princeton's WordNet
picaresqueadjective
involving clever rogues or adventurers especially as in a type of fiction
"picaresque novels"; "waifs of the picaresque tradition"; "a picaresque hero"
Wiktionary
picaresquenoun
A picaresque novel.
picaresqueadjective
Of or pertaining to rogues or adventurers
picaresqueadjective
Characteristic of a genre of Spanish satiric novel dealing with the adventures of a roguish hero
Wikipedia
picaresque
The picaresque novel (Spanish: picaresca, from pícaro, for "rogue" or "rascal") is a genre of prose fiction. It depicts the adventures of a roguish, but "appealing hero", usually of low social class, who lives by his wits in a corrupt society. Picaresque novels typically adopt a realistic style. There are often some elements of comedy and satire. While the term "picaresque novel" was only coined in 1810, the picaresque novel originated in Imperial Rome during the 1st-2nd century CE, in particular with works such as the Satyricon of Petronius and later, and more particularly with authors such as Apuleius in Roman Numidia. It would see a revival in Spain during the Spanish Golden Age in 1554. Early Spanish contributors included Mateo Alemán and Francisco de Quevedo, who were influenced in particular by Apuleius' 2nd century work. Other notable ancient influences of the modern picaresque genre include Roman playwrights such as Plautus and Terence. The Golden Ass of Apuleius nevertheless remains, according to many scholars such as F. W. Chandler, A. Marasso, T. Somerville and T. Bodenmüller, the primary influence for the modern Picaresque genre. Subsequently, after the revival in Spain, the genre flourished throughout Europe for more than 200 years for the first time since the Roman period. It continues to influence modern literature.
ChatGPT
picaresque
Picaresque is a genre of prose fiction that depicts the adventures of a roguish hero of low social class who lives by his wits in a corrupt society. The term originates from Spanish literature, with "pícaro" meaning "rogue" or "rascal". Picaresque novels are often satirical and humorous, and usually episodic in nature, following the protagonist's journey through various scenarios and encounters.
Webster Dictionary
Picaresqueadjective
applied to that class of literature in which the principal personage is the Spanish picaro, meaning a rascal, a knave, a rogue, an adventurer
Etymology: [F., fr. Sp. picaro rogue.]
Wikidata
Picaresque
Picaresque is the third studio album from The Decemberists. It was released in 2005 on the Kill Rock Stars record label.
Usage in printed sourcesFrom:
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of picaresque in Chaldean Numerology is: 8
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of picaresque in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6
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"picaresque." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 17 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/picaresque>.
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