Bravo
/ˈbrɑː.voʊ/noun
An exclamation of approval or admiration; also a person who performs bravely or, in some contexts, a hired killer.
Did you know?Italian bravo originally meant “bold, wild, fierce,” and in older usage could describe a dangerous ruffian before it became the cheer you shout after a performance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bherə-
“to carry, bear; source of later words for bearing up or being bold”
Late Latin
Latin
bravus
“wild, savage, fierce”
Medieval Latin / Italian
Italian
bravo
“bold, brave; later also a ruffian or hired thug”
16th Century
Italian
bravo!
“an approving shout meaning “well done!””
16th–17th Century
French
bravo
“an exclamation of praise or approval”
18th Century
English
bravo
“a cry of approval; later also a hired assassin or criminal”