Picarist
/ˈpɪkərɪst/noun
A writer of picaresque novels or stories, especially those featuring a roguish central character.
Did you know?The term ultimately belongs to the tradition of the Spanish pícaro—a lowborn trickster whose adventures exposed hypocrisy across respectable society.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
Spanish
pícaro
“A rogue, rascal, or socially marginal trickster; the central figure of early picaresque fiction.”
17th Century
French
picaresque
“In the manner of a pícaro; describing roguish adventure narratives.”
17th Century
English
picaresque
“Relating to a rogue’s adventures, especially in episodic fiction.”
19th Century
English
picarist
“A writer who produces picaresque fiction.”
Modern English
English
picarist
“A writer of picaresque novels or stories.”
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