Dastard vs. Poltroon — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
Dastard refers to someone cowardly and sneaky, using deceit; poltroon specifically denotes an extreme coward, often used contemptuously.
Difference Between Dastard and Poltroon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A dastard is typically characterized by underhandedness or deceit in addition to cowardice, suggesting a sneaky or malicious element. On the other hand, a poltroon is simply an extreme coward, often viewed with disdain or contempt but without the implicit sneakiness of a dastard.
The term dastard often carries a connotation of betrayal or treachery, reflecting a moral failing that involves harming others through fear and deception. Whereas, poltroon focuses solely on the lack of courage, usually in contexts requiring bravery but without suggesting deceit.
Being called a dastard implied not only fearfulness but also a predisposition to trickery to avoid danger or confrontation. In contrast, calling someone a poltroon was a direct attack on their bravery, often used to shame or socially ostracize them.
In literature, a dastard is often a villain, crafting schemes to avoid direct conflict or personal risk. Conversely, a poltroon might be portrayed as a comedic figure, their cowardice exaggerated to the point of absurdity, providing humor rather than tension.
In terms of usage, dastard is somewhat archaic and less commonly used today, retaining a literary or formal flavor. Poltroon, while also rare, occasionally appears in modern discourse to emphatically label someone as cowardly, especially in a derogatory sense.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A person who is deceitful and cowardly
A person characterized by complete cowardice
Connotations
Deceit, treachery, underhandedness
Extreme cowardice, contempt, disdain
Common Contexts
Betrayal, sneaky plans, avoiding direct conflict
Lack of bravery, often in humorous or contemptuous contexts
Usage Frequency
Less common, more formal or literary
Rare, occasionally used in modern speech
Portrayal in Literature
Often a villain or antagonist
Typically a comedic, exaggerated character
Compare with Definitions
Dastard
A person who uses deceit or trickery along with being cowardly.
The villain in the play was a dastard, always plotting behind the scenes.
Poltroon
Used to describe extreme cases of cowardice.
Facing the minor threat, he showed himself to be a complete poltroon.
Dastard
A character trait involving both cowardice and manipulation.
Her dastard ways included sabotaging her allies to save herself.
Poltroon
An individual exhibiting notable cowardice.
He was branded a poltroon after fleeing the battlefield.
Dastard
Someone who avoids danger or confrontation through dishonest means.
He proved himself a dastard by lying to avoid the duel.
Poltroon
Someone who is contemptuously cowardly, lacking any bravery.
The character’s poltroon behavior made him the butt of jokes.
Dastard
Related to actions that are underhanded and cowardly.
The dastard move to betray his friends shocked everyone.
Poltroon
Appears in contexts where cowardice is scorned or ridiculed.
As a poltroon, his actions were more laughable than laudable.
Dastard
Often associated with betrayal or treachery.
In the story, the dastard's betrayal led to the hero's temporary downfall.
Poltroon
Often used in a pejorative sense to describe a coward.
The insult hurled at him was ‘poltroon’, marking him as cowardly.
Dastard
A sneaking, malicious coward.
Poltroon
Poltroon was an event horse ridden by American rider Torrance Watkins.
Dastard
A malicious coward; a dishonorable sneak.
Poltroon
An utter coward.
Dastard
Meanly shrinking from danger, cowardly, dastardly.
Poltroon
An ignoble or total coward; a dastard; a mean-spirited wretch.
Dastard
To dastardize.
Poltroon
Cowardly.
Dastard
One who meanly shrinks from danger; an arrant coward; a poltroon.
You are all recreants and dashtards, and delight to live in slavery to the nobility.
Poltroon
An arrant coward; a dastard; a craven; a mean-spirited wretch.
Dastard
Meanly shrinking from danger; cowardly; dastardly.
Poltroon
Base; vile; contemptible; cowardly.
Dastard
To dastardize.
Poltroon
An abject coward
Dastard
A malicious coward
Poltroon
Characterized by complete cowardliness
Dastard
Treacherously cowardly;
The unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on...December 7th
Common Curiosities
What defines a dastard?
A dastard is defined as someone who is cowardly and deceitful, often using underhanded methods to avoid direct conflict.
Can dastard and poltroon be used interchangeably?
While both imply cowardice, dastard includes an element of deceit which poltroon does not, making them not perfectly interchangeable.
How common is the use of dastard and poltroon today?
Both terms are relatively rare, with dastard appearing more in literary or formal contexts and poltroon used occasionally in modern speech, typically pejoratively.
How do the connotations of dastard and poltroon differ?
Dastard connotes deceit and treachery along with cowardice, whereas poltroon focuses on extreme cowardice and is often used contemptuously.
What makes a character a dastard in stories?
A character is considered a dastard if they exhibit both cowardice and a tendency towards deceit or underhanded tactics.
Are there any positive uses of dastard or poltroon?
Both terms are overwhelmingly negative with no common positive connotations.
Is a poltroon simply a coward?
Yes, a poltroon is an extreme coward, often used in a contemptuous manner to describe someone who lacks bravery in all forms.
Is there a gender preference when using dastard or poltroon?
Traditionally, both terms have been used more frequently to describe male characters, though they are gender-neutral in definition.
What is the root origin of dastard and poltroon?
'Dastard' possibly derives from 'dazed', indicating a person who is not alert or spirited, while 'poltroon' comes from the Italian 'poltrone', meaning 'coward'.
In what type of literature would you find a dastard?
Dastards are typically found in narratives involving villains or antagonists who engage in deceitful tactics.
What is the impact of calling someone a poltroon?
Calling someone a poltroon is a strong denunciation of their courage, often intended to shame or mock them.
Are there historical contexts where dastard and poltroon were more commonly used?
Historically, both terms were more commonly used in literature and discourse of the 18th and 19th centuries.
What type of character is typically a poltroon in stories?
In stories, a poltroon is often a humorous character, whose cowardice is portrayed in an exaggerated, almost ridiculous manner.
How do dastard and poltroon reflect on a person’s moral character?
Being called a dastard reflects negatively on moral character, implying dishonesty and cowardice; being called a poltroon reflects negatively on one's bravery.
Could a hero in a story be a dastard or poltroon?
Typically, heroes are not described as dastards or poltroons as these terms denote negative qualities, contrary to heroic traits.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
