Bravas

/ˈbrɑːvəz/ noun

Definition

Plural of brava; exclamations praising an outstanding female performer, or instances of such praise.

Etymology

Plural of brava, from Italian brava (feminine of bravo), meaning 'brave' or 'skilled'—used as an exclamation since at least the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Interestingly, 'brava' for women and 'bravo' for men (or mixed groups) shows how even applause in opera was gendered—though modern audiences increasingly use 'bravo' universally, rejecting this linguistic distinction.

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