- Today's Word
Bellicose
BEL-ih-kohs
Definition
(adjective) Demonstrating aggression and a willingness to fight.
Example
The athlete’s bellicose attitude made him feared—and often penalized.
Fun Fact
From Latin bellum, meaning “war,” bellicose describes people who don’t just argue—they thrive on confrontation. It’s stronger than “aggressive,” and often shows up in political commentary, historical writing, or sports journalism. You’ll see it used when someone doesn’t just fight back—they lead with hostility, often as a strategy.
(noun) The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often unintentionally humorous.
His toast included a memorable malapropism when he thanked the “distinguished constipation” instead of constellation of guests.
From Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Sheridan’s The Rivals (1775), whose name comes from French mal à propos (“inappropriate”).