Ogre (or ogre) is a legendary monster of folk tales that, according to legend, have the particularity of devouring human beings. The meaning of ogre can be associated with the bogeyman, the frightening figure that frightens children.
The word ogre comes from the Latin orcus which means hell. In English and French the spelling is ogre. On many occasions ogre is synonymous with Orc, who is also a mythological figure.
The French word ogre was initially used by Charles Perrault, French writer of children's stories. The first reference to this word is found in his book “History or tales of the past time”, dated 1697. Charles Perrault is the author of famous folktales, including “The Little Thumb”, where he makes reference to an ogre who torments children.
In the literature there are other references to ogres, and the ogre Shrek became world famous through the movie that bears his name as its title. The ogre in the movie Shrek has different characteristics from traditional ogres in that it is kind, quiet and does not devour human beings.
In a figurative sense, the word ogre can be used to designate a stout individual, with rude attitudes and who does not know how to behave socially.
