Diablerie

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪˌæb.lə.ri/ (British English) /ˈdaɪ.ə.blə.ri/ (American English)

Definitions

• Reckless mischief, devilry, or wild behavior.
• Witchcraft, sorcery, or dealings with the devil.
• A scene or act of diabolical wickedness or chaos.

Usage Examples

• "The old book was filled with tales of diablerie and dark magic."
• "His diablerie at the masquerade ball made him both admired and feared."

Etymology

From French diablerie, derived from diable ("devil"), which itself originates from Latin diabolus ("devil").

Synonyms

• Devilry
• Mischief
• Witchcraft
• Sorcery
• Dark magic

Antonyms

• Virtue
• Righteousness
• Holiness

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, the word is often pronounced with a long "i" sound, while British English typically uses a shorter "i" and a softer "r".

Historical Usage

The term "diablerie" was commonly used in 17th- and 18th-century literature to describe dark magic and mischievous acts attributed to supernatural forces.

Cultural Nuances

Diablerie is often depicted in gothic literature, fairy tales, and folklore, associated with both playful mischief and serious depictions of the supernatural.

More Information

Throughout history, diablerie has been linked to both lighthearted pranks and terrifying supernatural legends. It is frequently used in literature and storytelling to describe figures who dabble in the mystical and the forbidden.