Trickster is a noun that describes someone who plays tricks or engages in deceitful behavior. The spelling of the word "trickster" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈtrɪkstər/. The first syllable in the word, "trick," is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a hard "k" sound. The second syllable, "ster," is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by a "st" sound and finally, an "er" sound. Overall, the word trickster is fairly straightforward to spell and pronounce, making it a commonly used term.
Definition of trickster:
The term "trickster" refers to a character or figure who uses cunning or deception to outwit or manipulate others. Typically found in folklore, mythology, and literature, a trickster is known for their cleverness, shrewdness, and ability to deceive in order to achieve their objectives. They often possess a mischievous nature, engaging in practical jokes or pranks for their own amusement.
Tricksters can be portrayed as both heroic and villainous characters, embodying both positive and negative qualities depending on the cultural context. They challenge the societal norms and conventions, often acting as agents of change or tricking authorities to undermine their power. While they are cunning and deceitful, tricksters also possess a certain charm and wit that makes them intriguing and entertaining to audiences.
A key characteristic of a trickster is their shape-shifting abilities, allowing them to transform into different forms or personas to deceive others. Their knowledge of human weaknesses and ability to exploit them serves as their primary tool. Tricksters are often associated with the concept of ambiguity, as they blur the line between right and wrong, truth and falsehood.
In summary, a trickster is a clever and cunning character who uses deception and trickery to outsmart others. They challenge societal norms and often act as catalysts for change. With their shape-shifting abilities and mischievous nature, tricksters captivate audiences by embodying both positive and negative qualities, pushing the boundaries of morality and conventions.
One who cheats.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The term "trickster" originated from the Old Norse word "trickstari" which meant "deceiver" or "cheat". This word later evolved into "trickster" in English. It is derived from the combination of the words "trick", meaning a deceptive or mischievous act, and "ster", which is a suffix denoting a person associated with or performing a particular action. The concept of a trickster figure, a character known for cunning and playing tricks, is prevalent in various mythologies and folklore traditions around the world.