The word “extravaganza” boasts a rich history, journeying from its specific literary roots to encompass the extravagant displays of today.
Originally borrowed from Italian, “extravaganza” first described a 19th-century writing style known for its excessive elaborateness. Victorian stage plays served as prime examples, often featuring fantastical elements and whimsical interpretations of poetic themes.
However, the word’s meaning has evolved significantly over time. Today, “extravaganza” extends beyond its literal meaning, encompassing any instance of something being displayed or done to an excessive degree. Be it a dazzling display of Christmas trees, a shopping spree gone wild, or anything else that falls under the umbrella of “whatnot,” it can be deemed an extravaganza.
But for those who enjoy delving deeper into the fascinating world of words, the story of “extravaganza” holds an additional layer of intrigue. I am ashamed to say that I have a penchant and a peccadillo for vagrant words,- from the root word “vagant,” meaning “wandering.”
This connection unlocks a treasure trove of related terms:
Noctivagant: A creature or person who wanders about at night.
Montivagant: Someone who wanders over mountains, perhaps an avid hiker.
Omnivagant: A word encompassing the act of wandering absolutely everywhere, a true free spirit