Imbroglio
Word of the Day
What is Imbroglio?
noun
An extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen for its operatic flair and usefulness in describing modern PR and diplomatic messes.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The diplomatic imbroglio threatened to derail trade talks.
A minor typo spiraled into a social-media imbroglio.
They hired a mediator to unwind the legal imbroglio.
Word Origins
Italian imbroglio “entanglement,” from imbrogliare “to tangle”
Entered English via theatrical criticism and political commentary.
First appearance in English: early 18th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
The scandal led to political embroilment.
-
Verb:
The CEO was embroiled in controversy.
-
Noun:
Legal entanglements stalled the merger.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: enredo / embrollo
- French: imbroglio
- German: Wirrwarr / Intrige
- Italian: imbroglio
- Portuguese: embrulho / imbróglio
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Quagmire
Stresses difficulty of escape; “imbroglio” stresses confusion.
Fiasco
A fiasco is a failure; an imbroglio is a tangle.
Donnybrook
Rowdy fight; “imbroglio” can be quiet but intricate.
Fun Facts
- The word is often used humorously to deflate self-important scandals.
- Italian gives English many drama words: “bravado,” “falsetto,” “imbroglio.”
Cultural Usage
- Comic operas revel in romantic imbroglios and mistaken identities.
- Parliamentary imbroglios erupt over coalition infighting.
Common Mistakes
Not the same as “embroider”; false-friend with “embrollo” in Spanglish.
Micro Story
The boardroom imbroglio began with a leaked email and ended with resignations.