cacafuego

noun

cac·​a·​fue·​go
ˌkakəˈfyü(ˌ)gō,
-fwā(-
variants or less commonly cacafugo
-fyü(-
plural -s
obsolete
: a swaggering braggart or boaster

Word History

Etymology

Spanish Cacafuego, name of a ship captured in 1579 by Sir Francis Drake, from Latin cacare to void as excrement + Spanish fuego fire, from Latin focus hearth

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cacafuego was in 1625

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near cacafuego

Cite this Entry

“Cacafuego.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cacafuego. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!