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

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near cacafuego

Cite this Entry

“Cacafuego.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cacafuego. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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