Picaroon
/ˌpɪkəˈruːn/noun
A pirate or freebooter, especially one operating in a lawless or roguish way.
Did you know?The word entered English through Spanish and French pirate slang, and its older relatives are tied to the same root that gave us *picaro*—the classic trickster rogue of Iberian literature.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
Spanish
pícaro
“A rogue, rascal, or petty swindler”
16th–17th Century
Spanish
picarón
“A big rogue; a mischievous, crafty fellow”
17th Century
French
picaron
“A pirate or freebooter”
Late 17th Century
English
picaroon
“A pirate, privateer, or freebooter; later, a roguish person”
Modern English
English
picaroon
“A pirate or lawless adventurer”
Explore more surprising origins