The root of the word Virago is "vir" meaning "a man" in Latin, but suffixing it with "-ago" the word gets woman characteristics - and new meaning is a tomboy, a rough woman, a woman with masculine characteristics. The primary Latin word virago had a meaning - a woman warrior. In that time this had good connotation meaning - a woman with good and appreciated skills (of that time).
Later, this word got a negative connotation like - unpleasant, violent, often anger and wicked woman, capable of doing evil or dishonest acts. Some historical viragos became famous for their (mis)doings. E.g. Agripina poisoned his husband, the emperor Claudius, in order her son Neron to take his throne (but later on Neron himself had her killed). The most famous virago in English literature is Kate from W. Shakespeare's act The Taming of the Shrew.
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| Mira Bachvarova |
The meaning of the word virago is arrogant woman often clashing with others and often criticizing others. Finally, the meaning again returned into positive direction; a positive woman capable of taking her own (female) attitude.
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| Mira Bachvarova |
Today, the word "virago" means strong and courageous woman, an untamed woman of a strong spirit. Nowadays we could call her - a heroine. One could say - "emancipated woman" (with all corresponding positive and negative connotations).
The pronunciation of word Virago:
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