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Where does the word "bravo" come from? It comes from Italian bravo, and was adopted directly into English (1700s).
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Where does the word "bravo" come from? It comes from Italian bravo, and was adopted directly into English (1700s).
Bravo’s story begins in Italian: bravo meant “brave, wild.” Originally meant wild or courageous, later a shout of approval. It reached English by 1700s as bravo. Settled as an exclamation of approval, especially for a performance. Today, bravo means an exclamation of approval, especially in applause for a performance.
- Stage 1 · Italian · medieval bravo "brave, wild", originally meant wild or courageous, later a shout of approval.
- Stage 2 · English · 1700s bravo "an exclamation of approval", settled as an exclamation of approval, especially for a performance.