Subject to sudden and unpredictable changes in mood or behavior. Acting on whim rather than reason or consistency.
From Italian 'capriccio' meaning whim, from 'capra' (goat). Goats were seen as unpredictable animals that suddenly leap and change direction, hence the metaphor for erratic human behavior.
Think of a GOAT (capra) hopping unpredictably from rock to rock - that's capricious behavior! Or remember 'cap-RASH-ous' - making rash decisions like changing your cap constantly.
'Capricious' derives from Latin capra (goat) and has been applied disproportionately to women as a slur—women's autonomy was dismissed as emotional whimsy. Courts historically used 'capricious woman' language to deny women authority over property/guardianship.
Use 'capricious' neutrally to describe unpredictability. In historical or legal contexts, flag when the term was weaponized against women's agency.
["unpredictable","erratic","mercurial"]
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