The first meaning of bizarre is associated with bravery.
Bizarre is a term that comes from the Italian word bizzarro , which can be translated as “angry” . The Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) recognizes two meanings in its dictionary , although there is a third that is frequently used in some Latin American regions.
The RAE indicates that the idea of bizarre can be linked to bravery : someone or something bizarre is courageous or daring. The other meaning that the dictionary includes associates the adjective bizarre with that which is splendid or generous . On the other hand, the Dictionary of Americanisms of the Association of Academies of the Spanish Language ( ASALE ) accepts that bizarre can be used to describe that which is extravagant, implausible or peculiar .
Bizarre as brave
In many old books the use of bizarre can be found in relation to bravery and courage . A bizarre individual, in this context, is bold and reckless.
For example: "The leader gathered the most bizarre men in the town and prepared them to face the enemy" , "Bizarre, the young man did not hesitate to enter the burning house to rescue the child" , "The commander demonstrated his recklessness with a bizarre act that earned him the admiration of the entire troop" .
Lucidity and splendor
The use of bizarre as an adjective to refer to generosity , clarity or magnificence also refers to past centuries. Writers such as Francisco de Quevedo and Miguel de Cervantes have used the word in this way in their texts.
“He walked through the city, bizarre and radiant, ready to catch the eye of his neighbors”, “His bizarre insight allowed him to notice that something was wrong” y “Her bizarre outfit made an impact at the show” son phrases que reflejan este uso.
Bizarre associated with the strange
We said above that the third meaning of bizarre, which refers to something strange , is not found in the RAE dictionary. The institution, in fact, discourages this use, considering it a translation from English or French, since in both languages the word bizarre is used with this meaning.
Something extravagant can be described as bizarre.
The Urgent Spanish Foundation ( Fundéu BBVA ), however, recognizes this meaning and highlights its inclusion in the ASALE Dictionary of Americanisms .
In this context, it is possible to read or hear expressions such as “The bizarre photo of the president caused laughter” , “The actor is the protagonist of a bizarre film where he plays a zombie” , “The Peruvian forward was the involuntary author of a bizarre goal” .
Literary and cinematographic genre
In literature , the bizarre genre includes components of the grotesque and satire to develop works characterized by absurd humor . Sometimes its proposals show a link with so-called speculative fiction .
These characteristics are also evident in bizarre cinema , which is close to surrealism . Directors such as Ed Wood and David Lynch have created films that are often placed in this group.
To understand a bizarre story, novel or film, it is essential to accept its codes and rules . What in other books or films would seem inexplicable or wrong is accepted in the bizarre genre, since the implausible is accepted and even constitutes its essence.