bravado

Bravado is a display of boldness or self-confidence intended to impress or intimidate others. It is often characterized by ostentation, loud talk, swagger, or exaggerated risk-taking. Bravado differs from genuine courage in that it is frequently performative rather than a measured response to danger; it may conceal insecurity or serve social purposes. The term derives from Romance-language roots—often associated with Italian bravata or Spanish bravada—entering English in the early modern period to describe a showy display of valor.

In practice, bravado can appear in sports, business, street culture, or personal interactions as a way to signal strength, dominance, or status. It can create a social effect, elevating the holder’s perceived power while potentially masking underlying uncertainty. When faced with real risk or scrutiny, bravado may crumble, revealing the front as a bluff. It can also be used strategically to deter rivals or gain short-term advantages.

Cultural and critical perspectives treat bravado as a form of social signaling that can reinforce gender norms and power dynamics, particularly when linked to macho stereotypes. In literature and film, bravado is a common trait used to drive character development, suspense, or satire. Some analyses emphasize the distinction between courageous action under pressure and performative bluster, highlighting bravado as a social phenomenon as much as a personal trait.