bleyðimaðr
masculine
The Old Norse word for "a coward" is bleyðimaðr. The adjective "cowardly" is blauðr.
Meaning: a person who lacks courage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Old Norse | Note |
|---|---|
| bleyðimaðr | masculine |
| blauðr |
bleyðimaðr was a grave insult in the sagas, where courage was the measure of a man.
Which one should you use?
bleyði on its own means "cowardice", the quality, not the person.
How do you pronounce it?
BLAY-thee-mathr, with th as in "this"
Did you know?
- bleyðimaðr is literally "cowardice-man", built from bleyði, "cowardice", and maðr, "man".
Examples in context
- Hann var engi bleyðimaðr.He was no coward.
