What does virago mean?

Definitions for virago
vɪˈrɑ goʊ, -ˈreɪ-vi·ra·go

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word virago.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. viragonoun

    a noisy or scolding or domineering woman

  2. amazon, viragonoun

    a large strong and aggressive woman

Wiktionary

  1. viragonoun

    (said of a woman) Given to undue belligerence or ill manner at the slightest provocation; a shrew, a termagant

  2. viragonoun

    (said of a woman) scolding, domineering, highly opinionated; a fishwife, a nag

  3. viragonoun

    (said of a woman) rough, loud, and aggressive

  4. viragoadjective

    pertaining to a virago

  5. Etymology: From virago.

Wikipedia

  1. Virago

    A virago is a woman who demonstrates abundant masculine virtues. The word comes from the Latin word virāgō (genitive virāginis) meaning vigorous' from vir meaning "man" or "man-like" (cf. virile and virtue) to which the suffix -āgō is added, a suffix that creates a new noun of the third declension with feminine grammatical gender. Historically, this was often positive and reflected heroism and exemplary qualities of masculinity. However, it could also be pejorative, indicating a woman who is masculine to the exclusion of traditional feminine virtues. Modern use of the word virago generally takes the disparaging sense. Thus virago joined pejoratives such as termagant, mannish, amazonian and shrew to describe women who acted aggressively or like men. The word virago has almost always had an association with cultural gender transgression. There are recorded instances of viragos (such as Joan of Arc) fighting battles, wearing men's clothing, or receiving the tonsure.

ChatGPT

  1. virago

    A virago is a woman who demonstrates exceptional strength, courage, or a strong and assertive character, often in a manner that is considered more typical of men. The term can also be used in a derogatory sense to refer to a loud, domineering, or aggressive woman.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Viragonoun

    a woman of extraordinary stature, strength, and courage; a woman who has the robust body and masculine mind of a man; a female warrior

  2. Viragonoun

    hence, a mannish woman; a bold, turbulent woman; a termagant; a vixen

  3. Etymology: [L. virago, -intis, from vir a man. See Virile.]

Wikidata

  1. Virago

    A virago is a woman who demonstrates exemplary and heroic qualities. The word comes from the Latin word vir, meaning virile '' to which the suffix -ago is added, a suffix that effectively re-genders the word to be female. The word virago has almost always had an association with cultural gender transgression. A virago, of whatever excellence, was still identified by her gender. There are recorded instances of viragos, such as Joan of Arc, fighting battles, wearing men's clothing, or receiving the tonsure. This could cause social anxiety. For this reason, the word virago could also be used disparagingly, to imply that a virago was not excellent or heroic, but was instead violating cultural norms. Thus virago joined pejoratives such as termagant and shrew to demean women who acted aggressively or like men.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Virago

    vi-rā′go, or vī-rā′gō, n. a masculine woman: a bold, impudent woman: a termagant.—adjs. Viragin′ian, Viraginous (viraj′-).n. Viragin′ity. [L.,—vir, a man.]

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of virago in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of virago in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9

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Translations for virago

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"virago." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Nov. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/virago>.

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