Fustilarian

/ˌfʌs.tɪˈlɛə.ri.ən/ noun

Definition

A low-class, worthless, or disreputable person; a ruffian or blustering coward.

Etymology

Of obscure origin, possibly from fustian (bombastic talk) combined with -larian, or possibly from Italian fustilucci. First appeared in English Renaissance literature as a colorful insult with no clear etymology.

Kelly Says

Shakespeare probably knew this word—it appears in English around the 1500s as a magnificent insult that sounds Shakespearean (pompous and weird), but nobody's completely sure where it came from, which makes it the perfect Renaissance mystery word.

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