barbarian

Launched in an era where machismo meant a goofy wrestler or metal singer with an eight-octave falsetto, the steroidal beskirted barbarian has always been a bit ridiculous.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 3, 2026

He was no Churchillian defender of Western Christian civilization against the barbarian hordes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2026

The barbarian monarchs of the West sent hordes east—a counterinvasion we call the First Crusade.

From Slate ● Dec. 15, 2024

Moving between ages seems to be linked to crises - like barbarian invasions, civil wars and plagues - though exactly how this will work is unclear.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2024

Yes, we fled to the east, into the Bonecruel Mountains and out into the fire-swept Plateau of Drume, but we left because we were not prepared for a barbarian horde to attack on griffin-back.”

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin

In any case, simply pulling up the drawbridge, hoisting the “independence” flag, and pouring boiling scorn on the barbarians at the gate isn’t a viable response.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2025

They don’t trust us barbarians to care about a world that doesn’t look like our own.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2025

Another meme Robinson posted said: “The barbarians are at the gate,” referring to ISIS.

From Salon ● May 15, 2024

Rainer leads the hapless dame into a sparkling cavern, where the queen of the barbarians herself, Conann, is perched on a high tower, clutching a human heart that looks more like a Christmas tree ornament.

From New York Times ● Feb. 1, 2024

Her children did not laugh, but eventually sang along when she left her tent to sit by the winter campfires, ringed by barbarians.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston