I just had to look up the definition of “swashbuckle” because I was curious, so my search gave me: “to engage in daring and romantic adventures with ostentatious bravado or flamboyance.”
Then, of course, I wondered about the origin of the word, and i got: “The traditional swashbuckler, described by the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘a swaggering bravo or ruffian; a noisy braggadocio’, was, indeed, someone who ‘swashed his buckle’. To ‘swash’, in the sixteenth century, was to dash or strike something violently, while a ‘buckler’ was a small round shield, carried by a handle at the back. So a swashbuckler was literally one who made a loud noise by striking his own or his opponent’s shield with his sword.”
No wordplay or witticism today – just a “The More You Know” comment.
Aussie Down Under about 10 years ago
He’d love to kid, but he’s busy in his locker.
jack fairbanks about 10 years ago
Nah, his mother started buying that new pre-buckled swash. Now he’s into battening down the mizzen poop…
Under Dog Premium Member about 10 years ago
Sorry he’s out shivering his timbers.
celeconecca about 10 years ago
I just had to look up the definition of “swashbuckle” because I was curious, so my search gave me: “to engage in daring and romantic adventures with ostentatious bravado or flamboyance.”
Then, of course, I wondered about the origin of the word, and i got: “The traditional swashbuckler, described by the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘a swaggering bravo or ruffian; a noisy braggadocio’, was, indeed, someone who ‘swashed his buckle’. To ‘swash’, in the sixteenth century, was to dash or strike something violently, while a ‘buckler’ was a small round shield, carried by a handle at the back. So a swashbuckler was literally one who made a loud noise by striking his own or his opponent’s shield with his sword.”
No wordplay or witticism today – just a “The More You Know” comment.
xpurplezebra about 10 years ago
Not until he’s jolly well done with his cross bonework.