Definition

A character from Italian theater who is silly and cowardly, often pretending to be brave but actually being afraid.

Example

In the play, the scaramouch made everyone laugh with his foolish antics and cowardly behavior.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the character scaramouch from commedia dell'arte?

Yeah, I think he's that cowardly buffoon who boasts a lot, right?

Exactly! He's such a funny character, always trying to act brave but failing.

Totally! It's hilarious how he always gets himself into trouble.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Scaramouch originates from Italian 'scaramuccia', meaning a boastful or cowardly person, often used in the context of a comic character in Italian commedia dell'arte. The term reflects a character who is a braggart and often gets into trouble but is ultimately cowardly.

Memory Tip

Imagine a character who is always boasting but runs away when trouble comes — that's what a scaramouch represents.

Visually Confused Words