Why do we call someone who takes risks a daredevil?

Daredevils (stuntmen, thrill seekers, and swashbucklers) have been called many things, but they surely aren't evil. Where did this compound word come from?

Daily edition

Idioms

Why do we call someone who takes risks a daredevil? Daredevils (stuntmen, thrill seekers, and swashbucklers) have been called many things, but they surely aren't evil. Where did this compound word come from? Rachel Gresh T he year was 1966, and a soon-to-be-famous Evel Knievel had a plan to drum up business for his motorcycle shop in Moses Lake, Washington: He'd jump his motorcycle over 40 parked cars, some rattlesnakes, and a caged cougar. He didn't quite make the jump — he landed in the pile of rattlesnakes — but somehow he escaped unscathed, and a star was born. Most called him crazy, some called him a genius, but everyone called him a "daredevil." Renowned daredevil Evel Knievel lived up to the title. When used as a noun, a daredevil is a "recklessly bold person," and when used as an adjective, "daredevil" describes the "recklessly and often ostentatiously daring." "Daredevil" first appeared in English in the late 18th century, in the writings of English poet and satirist John Wolcot. The term spread quickly, likely due to the popularity of circus performers. In the burgeoning industrial world, entertainment-based daredevils were more popular than ever, whether walking on high wires, jumping bicycles through flaming hoops, or going over Niagara Falls in barrels. However, circus performers and thrill seekers aren't devilish or sinister, so why is the word "devil" used in this fashion? Etymologists say it isn't about labeling the person a devil, but "one who dares the devil." A similar word formation is seen in "scarecrow." The field-dwelling decoy isn't a bird, but it scares birds away. In other words, it's "one who scares crows." "Pickpocket" was formed this way, too, as in "one who picks pockets," or someone who steals. So, the masses weren't calling daredevil Evel Knievel evil. Although, Robert Knievel did legally change his first name to "Evel," so we doubt he'd mind the sinister connotation. Continue reading A word from our friends at 10 Easy Ways To Make Some Extra Money You don't need another job to bring in some extra cash. In fact, you don't even need to get off the couch. Our friends at FinanceBuzz discovered some clever ways of generating additional income that are surprisingly simple to enact. Take their advice and watch your bank account grow before your eyes. Learn More Thanks for supporting our sponsors! They help keep Word Smarts free for everyone. Emoji Decoded Waving Hand Sign Meaning: Depicts a hand waving, commonly used as a friendly greeting or goodbye gesture. Evolution: While initially used for a simple "hello" or "goodbye," the 👋 emoji now has nuanced digital meanings. It can grab attention at the start of a conversation, indicate someone is leaving a conversation, sarcastically "wave away" a comment, or serve as an indicator of a "soft block" as the sender waves away followers. Usage: [Text to a friend asking for advice:] Remember, NO. is a complete sentence 👋 Waving Hand Sign Meaning: Depicts a hand waving, commonly used as a friendly greeting or goodbye gesture. Evolution: While initially used for a simple "hello" or "goodbye," the 👋 emoji now has nuanced digital meanings. It can grab attention at the start of a conversation, indicate someone is leaving a conversation, sarcastically "wave away" a comment, or serve as an indicator of a "soft block" as the sender waves away followers. Usage: [Text to a friend asking for advice:] Remember, NO. is a complete sentence 👋 Have you read? The Unidentified By Colin Dickey This book is a well-researched journey into the world of cryptids, UFOs, and more for those of us who love all things "The X Files" and "Unsolved Mysteries." It's a read that will satisfy both the Mulders and the Scullys among us. Shea Newton, Principal Engineer Shop now We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The Unidentified By Colin Dickey This book is a well-researched journey into the world of cryptids, UFOs, and more for those of us who love all things "The X Files" and "Unsolved Mysteries." It's a read that will satisfy both the Mulders and the Scullys among us. Shea Newton, Principal Engineer Shop now We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. You might also like Vocabulary 4 MIN READ 15 LIKES Strengthen Your Vocabulary By Cutting These Redundant Terms It's time to cut redundant and overused phrases from your vocabulary. (See the redundancy?) You'll be making cuts throughout after this quick explainer. Continue reading Popular stories 01 Language Learn the Correct Pronunciation of These Country Names 02 Vocabulary How Many of the 101 Most Common SAT Words Do You Know? 03 Language What's the Difference Between Bugs and Insects?

Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe No longer interested in receiving our content? Unsubscribe from future emails No longer interested in receiving our content? Unsubscribe from future emails

1550 Larimer Street, Suite 431, Denver, CO 80202 Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Do Not Sell My Information Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Do Not Sell My Information