derring-do

American  

[der-ing-doo] / ˈdɛr ɪŋˈdu /

noun

1. daring deeds; heroic daring.

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derring-do British  

/ ˈdɛrɪŋˈduː /

noun

1. archaic a daring spirit or deed; boldness or bold action

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Etymology

Origin of derring-do

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English durring-do literally, “daring to do,” erroneously taken as noun phrase; dare, do ¹

Explanation

Looking for a colorful word to describe brave or courageous action? Try derring-do! Your adventurous cousin's stories of derring-do might include climbing mountains, wrestling alligators, and bungee jumping. This old-fashioned word is perfect if you want a funny way to talk about slightly reckless feats of bravery. A series of misprints and misunderstandings led to poet Edmund Spenser's interpretation of derrynge do (intended to mean "in daring to do") as a noun meaning "heroism." He used it that way in his epic poem, The Faerie Queene. Sir Walter Scott was the first to use derring-do as one word, in his 1820 novel Ivanhoe.

Example Sentences

"I once asked someone who served alongside my father how he had come by that name," says Ms Almonds-Windmill, who has penned books charting his tales of derring-do.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2025

Good on James Mangold for tracking a bit of mud on Bob Dylan’s legacy, the kind of irreverent derring-do the movie’s own Johnny Cash celebrates.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2025

Even when that order is part of America itself, individual heroism soothes the audience with the promise that the world’s wrongs can be righted with enough derring-do.

From Slate • Oct. 16, 2024

If you like your fantasy novels packed with comedy, action and old-fashioned derring-do, “Promise” is the book for you.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

It seems the boy is always running afoul of a pack of shamblers in the midst of his Missouri adventures, and the boy’s derring-do reminds me of my own exploits.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• bravado
• valor