Picaroons
/ˌpɪkəˈruːnz/noun
Plural of picaroon, a pirate or rogue; also a small, light, fast pirate vessel.
Did you know?Picaroon entered English through Spanish and French as a word for a pirate or brigand, and its older root is tied to the idea of a sly, low-born trickster rather than a romantic outlaw.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
Spanish
pícaro
“A rogue, rascal, or crafty knave”
16th–17th Century
French
picaron
“A pirate or brigand”
17th Century
English
picaroon
“A pirate, freebooter, or rogue”
Modern English
English
picaroons
“Plural form of picaroon”
Explore more surprising origins