covardas

Covardas is a Portuguese noun in the feminine plural, used to designate people regarded as cowards. It is the plural form of covarda, the feminine noun for a coward, while the abstract noun for cowardice is covardia. The term is commonly pejorative and appears in everyday speech, journalism, and literature to criticize a perceived lack of courage or moral resolve. In many contexts it targets individuals or groups and can be used to provoke or condemn cowardly behavior.

Etymology and form: Covardas derives from the adjective covarde (cowardly) in Portuguese, with covarda forming the feminine noun from which the plural covardas is built. The term covardia stands as the corresponding abstract noun meaning cowardice, while covarde is used for a single coward.

Usage and connotations: The word carries a strong negative value judgment and is typically employed to shame or rebuke behavior deemed cowardly. It can be encountered in public discourse, sports commentary, or fiction, where characters or actions are described as cowardly. While predominantly negative, in some contexts it may be used rhetorically to rally courage or criticize collective hesitation.

See also: Covarde, Covardia, Cowardice (in other languages).