'bravo' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'bravo,' where the sense was 'bold' and also 'savage' or 'courageous.'

'bravo' entered English from Italian in the 16th–17th centuries; in early English it could mean 'a hired ruffian or assassin.' Later, through theatrical and musical context (audiences praising performers in Italian theaters), the usage shifted to an exclamation of approval ('Bravo!').

Initially, it could mean 'a violent or bold person' (and was used as a noun for such a person); over time the dominant modern meaning became 'an exclamation of praise' used to applaud a performance.