noun

boutade

Quiz me More like this

Boutade (noun) means a sudden outburst of feeling, or a passing whim.

noun

A sudden outburst of feeling, or a passing whim.

"Thus we see that Wilde's witticisms contain a wealth of unsuspected meaning. Even his apparently nonsensical boutades are Late Romantic gestures." — Camille Paglia, Sexual Personae (1990)

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like boutade.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “boutade” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Etymology

Boutade was borrowed from French boutade, from bouter (“to thrust”). See butt.

Rhymes for boutade

Ade made jade wade fade sade Bade Cade Dade trade blade spade

See all rhymes for boutade →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of boutade?

"boutade" (noun) means a sudden outburst of feeling, or a passing whim.