picaresque
UK[ˌpɪkəˈrɛsk]US[ˌpɪkəˈrɛsk]
adj
relating to a type of fiction that describes the adventures of a dishonest but appealing character, typically from a low social class.
adj
of or relating to an episodic style of fiction dealing with the adventures of a rough and dishonest but appealing hero.
Morpheme Breakdown
picar
esque
picar
o) (rogue
esque
characteristic of
Etymology
the word picaresque entered english in the early 19th century from the french 'picaresque', which itself derives from the spanish 'picaresco'. the spanish term is based on 'pícaro', meaning a rogue or adventurer of low social standing. the suffix '-esque', of italian and french origin, denotes a characteristic style. thus, the term literally means 'in the style of a rogue', perfectly capturing the genre of literature that follows the episodic, often humorous misadventures of a cunning anti-hero, a form that originated in 16th-century spain.
Analysis
Structure: picar(o) (rogue) + esque (characteristic of)
picar(o) is from spanish, meaning 'rogue' or 'rascal'. esque is a suffix from french, ultimately from italian -esco and medieval latin -iscus, meaning 'in the style or manner of'.
Examples
the novel is a classic example of picaresque fiction, following the exploits of a charming scoundrel across the country.
his picaresque adventures through the underworld of the city were both thrilling and morally ambiguous.
the film has a picaresque quality, with its series of loosely connected escapades featuring a loveable rogue.