What does the word 'hero' mean?

I'm really glad someone has voiced this, it's been a pet hate of mine for years. It makes my blood boil when I hear the term 'hero' used in reference to someone who has won a race or jumped higher than anyone else. I'm usually screaming at the tv when a commentator uses that phrase. I also firmly believe the term 'hero' is used too lightly these days. For me, it's someone who is willing to go to war for what they believe in and be willing to die in the process (I don't mean a terrorist).

Is a hero perhaps someone who finds themselves in a situation they didn't expect, but in which they overcome immense obstacles and help or save others.

Not really applicable to sportsmen, good though they are; Wiggins was excellent, but not a hero!

I wonder if planning and cooking a huge Christmas dinner for all the family could be classed as heroic.

I think people who overcome great disabilities, like Simon Weston, are very brave, but I am not sure I would call him a hero. The lads who flew in the Battle of Britain didn't consider themselves heroic - one told me that they each assumed that 'the other guy would get it'.
People who run into burning buildings, or get people out of burning cars, get my vote. I am not sure I could do it.

glamma...should have typed border-line. Was too puffed out!

soop well done you !!!

petallus After ten minutes on my exercise bike, I reckon I could be classed as borfer-line heroic...especially when I dismount and my legs feel like knitting!

I suppose someone who pushes themselves to the limit against the odds, battling against pain and all obstacles to reach some worthy goal which will benefit others might be described as a hero.

No idea whether or not Wiggins did that.

They're all heroes to me.

As you know.

Shorter Oxford English Dictionary (Volume I):

"Hero 1. Antiq A name given to men of superhuman strength, courage or ability, favoured by the gods; regarded later as demigods and immortal. 2. One who does brave or noble deeds; an illustrious warrior 1586. 3. A man who exhibits extraordinary bravery, firmness or greatness of soul in connection with any pursuit, work or enterprise; a man admired and venerated for his achievements and noble qualities 1661. 4. The man who forms the subject of an epic; the chief male personage in a poem, play or story 1697."

It is interesting that successful sportswomen, eg Dame Kelly Holmes and Serena Williams, are not usually described as heroes (or heroines).

Jess
Hero, star, celebrity...all flogged to death!

I agree. Hero is a word that has been flogged to death. A very good, gifted and talented cyclist. And a humble one.

Jings...don't you just!

"I hasten to add I'm not in any way taking anything away from the bravery of our servicemen."



You have to be so careful not to put a foot wrong on here, don't you?

I believe that a hero is a man of courage...but not necessarily in the sporting arena. Bradley Wiggins has shown great fortitude and has earned his reward. He's a worthy champion. He deserves to be applauded. Well done that man!

I suppose a hero tends to be used in a war like situation [thinking ancient battles and such like] and sport is like a modern day battle [jeux sans frontieres and such like]. But perhaps my thinking is all down to the Peter Gabriel song [one of my favourite songs ever]. And I find sport of all kinds very gladiatorial. [I hasten to add I'm not in any way taking anything away from the bravery of our servicemen]. I'm just thinking out loud [again].

Not really. It was just a little bit of an understatement.

He's only won the Tour de France.

Do you have a point to make , Jingle?

Quote - "Bradley Wiggins is a very good cyclist".

I reckon the Greeks and Romans, and so on, would have regarded their winning athletes as heroes.

Haven't we done this before?

I couldn't agree more. He is actually very fortunate to have a talent which he can use to spend his life doing something he loves. I'm sure he has had to work hard to achieve the level he has, but as far as hard work goes it's not exactly going down the mines to feed one's family is it? Those men and others like them deserved to be called heroes in my book.

I applaud his achievements and although I'm not at all interested in sport I am glad such people exist. But let's reclaim the word hero and give it back its true meaning.

And open to mis-spelling.

Hero is easy.

I think the meaning of the word is being corrupted. Nowadays it just means you've done something to make you famous.

Well done, Bradley Wiggins, but you aren't a hero. (I don't suppose he thinks he is either).

He's an achiever. Too long a word for tabloids, I expect.