The Spanish word 'barrabasada' comes from combining 'barrabás' (meaning 'troublemaker') with the suffix '-ada' (which forms nouns indicating an action or its result). 'Barrabás' itself comes from Barabbas, the biblical figure who, according to the New Testament, was a prisoner released instead of Jesus. In Spanish, the name became associated with the concept of a troublemaker or mischievous person, likely due to Barabbas's notorious reputation in the biblical narrative. When combined with '-ada', it forms 'barrabasada' meaning an outrageous or reckless action - essentially, the kind of action a troublemaker would do.

The simpler and more common Spanish word 'barrabás' is directly related to 'barrabasada'. While 'barrabás' refers to a troublemaker or mischievous person, 'barrabasada' refers to the actual mischievous or outrageous action that such a person might commit.

While there isn't a direct English cognate for 'barrabasada', English speakers might recognize the connection to 'Barabbas', the biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament. The name Barabbas appears in English translations of the Bible and is well-known from the story of Jesus's crucifixion, though it hasn't developed the extended meanings that evolved in Spanish.