Picaresque
adjective
Related to stories or novels describing the adventures of a rogue hero, usually in a humorous or satirical way.
He is known for his picaresque novels about the misadventures of ne'er-do-wells.
Often appears as...
- picaresque novel
- picaresque hero
Usage tips
Literary
noun
A type of novel which is about the adventures of a rogue or wanderer in a funny or critical way.
The stories in the picaresque are often episodic and loosely structured.
Often appears as...
- write a picaresque
- read a picaresque
Usage tips
Literary
adjective
Related to stories or novels describing the adventures of a rogue hero, usually in a humorous or satirical way.
He is known for his picaresque novels about the misadventures of ne'er-do-wells.
Often appears as...
- picaresque novel
- picaresque hero
Usage tips
Literary
noun
A type of novel which is about the adventures of a rogue or wanderer in a funny or critical way.
The stories in the picaresque are often episodic and loosely structured.
Often appears as...
- write a picaresque
- read a picaresque
Usage tips
Literary
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Story Genre
Understand picaresque as a genre involving a charming but unethical character on a journey.
His picaresque storytelling made the cunning protagonist's travels quite entertaining.
Pro Tip 2/3Humor Element
Expect comedic elements; picaresque tales often have funny situations or witty dialogue.
The picaresque tale was filled with laughter as the hero cleverly escaped trouble.
Pro Tip 3/3Social Critique
These stories may critique society, indirectly mocking authorities or the upper class.
The picaresque narrative mocked the nobility through the rogue's audacious exploits.
Pro Tip 1/3Story Genre
Understand picaresque as a genre involving a charming but unethical character on a journey.
His picaresque storytelling made the cunning protagonist's travels quite entertaining.
Pro Tip 2/3Humor Element
Expect comedic elements; picaresque tales often have funny situations or witty dialogue.
The picaresque tale was filled with laughter as the hero cleverly escaped trouble.
Pro Tip 3/3Social Critique
These stories may critique society, indirectly mocking authorities or the upper class.
The picaresque narrative mocked the nobility through the rogue's audacious exploits.
Pro Tip 1/3Story Genre
Understand picaresque as a genre involving a charming but unethical character on a journey.
His picaresque storytelling made the cunning protagonist's travels quite entertaining.
Pro Tip 2/3Humor Element
Expect comedic elements; picaresque tales often have funny situations or witty dialogue.
The picaresque tale was filled with laughter as the hero cleverly escaped trouble.
Pro Tip 3/3Social Critique
These stories may critique society, indirectly mocking authorities or the upper class.
The picaresque narrative mocked the nobility through the rogue's audacious exploits.
Never forget "Picaresque"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Quote examples
Martin Filler
American Critic
A turning point in the public's perception of the building art came with the publication of Frank Lloyd Wright's 'An Autobiography' of 1932, a picaresque narrative that captivated many who hadn't the slightest inkling of what architects actually did.
Quote examples
Steven Pinker
Canadian Scientist
One of my favourite kinds of movie is the American picaresque, in which the characters make their way across the country, learning about life against the gorgeous backdrops of that vast land.
Quote examples
David Mamet
American Dramatist
I've always been fascinated by the picaresque.
Quote examples
Martin Filler
American Critic
A turning point in the public's perception of the building art came with the publication of Frank Lloyd Wright's 'An Autobiography' of 1932, a picaresque narrative that captivated many who hadn't the slightest inkling of what architects actually did.
Quote examples
Steven Pinker
Canadian Scientist
One of my favourite kinds of movie is the American picaresque, in which the characters make their way across the country, learning about life against the gorgeous backdrops of that vast land.
Quote examples
David Mamet
American Dramatist
I've always been fascinated by the picaresque.
Example 1 of 3
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension