Virago

A virago is a woman who demonstrates exemplary and heroic qualities. The word comes from the Latin word vir, meaning virile '(man)' to which the suffix -ago is added, a suffix that effectively re-genders the word to be female. Historically, the concept of a virago reaches back into antiquity where Hellenistic philosophy asserted that elite and exceptionally heroic men had 'virtus.' The word Virtus (once again linked to vir, the brave man abiding by society's highest values and ethics as opposed to "homo", human being) defined the traits of excellence for a man in ancient Rome (and Greece), including valor and heroism, but also morality and physical strength. Women and non-elite or unheroic men (slaves, servants, craftsmen, merchants) were in a lesser category, and believed to be less excellent (see Roman morality: Mos maiorum). A woman, however, if exceptional enough could earn the title Virago. In doing so, she surpassed the expectations for what was believed possible for her gender, and embodied masculine-like aggression and/or excellence. Virago, then, was a title of respect and admiration. In Christianity, a female nun or holy woman who had become equal in divinity to male monks through practiced celibacy, exemplary religious practice and devotion, and intact virginity, was considered to have surpassed the limitations of her femaleness and was called 'Virago.'

The word Virago has almost always had an association with gender transgression. A Virago, no matter how excellent, was still technically a biological woman. There are recorded instances of Virago women (Joan of Arc is a famous example) fighting battles, wearing men's clothing, or receiving the haircut of a male monk, called a tonsure. This could cause social anxiety. For this reason, the word Virago could also be used disparagingly, to infer that a Virago was not excellent or heroic, but was instead violating cultural norms. Thus virago joined pejoratives such as termagant. and shrew to demean women who acted aggressively or like men.

Today, in standard dictionaries, Virago is defined as both a woman who has unexcellent male characteristics, such as being noisy or domineering, as well as a woman of "great stature, strength, and courage.". The word Virago continues to be associated with the naming of a woman who has risen above cultural and gender stereotypes (see also sexism) to embody heroism at its best. For example, the British Royal Navy christened at least four warships Virago.

The word also refers to a masculine, aggressive woman. Also, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a virago as a loud overbearing woman. The American Heritage Dictionary defines a virago as a woman regarded as noisy, scolding, or domineering. Dictionary.com refers to a virago as loud-voiced, ill-tempered, scolding woman; shrew.