bravado
Translation
bravado, swagger, bluster
Examples
His bravado was just a cover for his fear.
His bravado was just a cover for his fear.
She walked in with a show of bravado.
She walked in with a show of bravado.
Grammar Patterns
((a show of)) bravado a display of confidence He put on a show of bravado.
((with)) bravado in a confident or brave way He answered with bravado.
Similar Words
Synonyms: swagger, bluster, boasting; Antonyms: modesty, fear
Etymology
From Spanish 'bravada' (boast), from 'bravo' meaning 'brave, wild'.
Memory Tips
Think 'brave' + 'ado' (a lot of fuss). It's a show of being brave, but it's just for show.