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Buccaneer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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buccaneer

[ˌbʌkəˈnɪər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

pirate

A buccaneer is a pirate, especially one of the freebooters preying on Spanish ships and settlements in the West Indies during the 17th century.

Synonyms

corsair, freebooter, pirate, privateer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buccaneer

Commonly refers to pirates who attacked Spanish ships and settlements in the Caribbean during the 17th century. Often used in historical or adventurous contexts.

  • The buccaneer sailed the Caribbean, plundering Spanish ports and ships.
  • In the golden age of piracy, many feared the ruthless buccaneers.
pirate

General term for someone who attacks and robs ships at sea. Can be used in both historical and modern contexts.

  • The pirate raised the Jolly Roger, signaling another attack.
  • Modern pirates still pose a threat in certain parts of the world today.
privateer

Refers to a private person or ship authorized by a government during wartime to attack foreign shipping. It has a slightly more legal and formal connotation compared to 'pirate'.

  • The privateer had a letter of marque from the king, legitimizing its raids on enemy ships.
  • During the war, many privateers preyed on merchant vessels of rival nations.
corsair

Refers specifically to pirates operating in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly those from the Barbary Coast. Often used in historical or naval contexts.

  • The corsairs of the Barbary Coast were notorious for their swift ships and daring raids.
  • European navies were often in conflict with corsairs during the 16th and 17th centuries.
freebooter

Describes a person who engages in piracy or looting, often used in a broader and less specific sense than other terms. Can also imply reckless or lawless behavior.

  • The freebooter amassed considerable wealth through daring thefts.
  • In the chaos of the conflict, freebooters took advantage of the lack of law enforcement.

Examples of usage

  • The buccaneer plundered the Spanish galleon and took all its treasures.
  • Legend has it that the famous buccaneer Blackbeard buried his treasure on a remote island.
  • The buccaneer captain was feared throughout the Caribbean for his ruthless tactics.
  • The buccaneers often flew a black flag to strike fear into their victims.
  • Many buccaneers operated with the unofficial support of European governments.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Buccaneers became prominent during the late 17th century, often targeting Spanish ships and settlements in the Caribbean.
  • Many buccaneers operated from Tortuga, an island off the coast of Haiti, which became a notorious base for pirate activities.

Pop Culture

  • The image of the buccaneer has been popularized in films and literature, portraying them as adventurous and rebellious figures.
  • Characters like Captain Jack Sparrow from 'Pirates of the Caribbean' draw inspiration from the classic idea of buccaneers.

Economics

  • Much of the wealth generated by buccaneers came from plundering Spanish treasure ships, contributing to the European economy of their time.
  • The 'buccaneer economy' involved not just stealing but also trading stolen goods, creating a complex network of commerce.

Society

  • Many buccaneers were outcasts from society, coming from different backgrounds, including former sailors, soldiers, and even deserters.
  • They often operated under a Code of Conduct, which governed their behavior and division of loot, showcasing a unique form of social order.

Origin of 'buccaneer'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'buccaneer' comes from the French word 'boucanier', referring to hunters who grilled meat on a wooden frame.
  • Originally, buccaneers were not pirates. They started as hunters and traders before taking to piracy.

The word 'buccaneer' originated from the French word 'boucanier', which referred to hunters in the Caribbean who cured and smoked meat on a frame called a 'boucan'. These hunters eventually turned to piracy, becoming known as buccaneers. The golden age of buccaneers was in the 17th century, when they preyed on Spanish ships and settlements in the West Indies. Many buccaneers were former European privateers who had turned to piracy due to the lack of official support. The most famous buccaneers include Blackbeard, Henry Morgan, and Anne Bonny.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,582 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.