Blackguard: meaning, definitions and examples

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blackguard

[ˈblakɡɑːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

insult

A person who is dishonest or dishonorable, especially one who uses unscrupulous methods to achieve their goals. A blackguard is often considered to be a scoundrel or a rogue.

Synonyms

rogue, scoundrel, villain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blackguard	Used to describe a person who is morally reprehensible and lacks any semblance of honor or integrity. Typically has a historical or literary tone. The deceitful blackguard swindled the innocent villagers He was revealed to be a blackguard, cheating everyone who trusted him
scoundrel	Describes a person who behaves dishonorably or deceitfully. Usually carries a negative connotation but is less severe than 'blackguard'. The scoundrel tricked the old man into giving him all his savings She called him a scoundrel after discovering his lies
rogue	Often refers to a mischievous but attractive individual who bends the rules. Can be used in a somewhat playful or affectionate manner. The charming rogue stole her heart and her purse He's always been a bit of a rogue, breaking rules but never facing the consequences
villain	Refers to someone who is evil or wicked, often used in the context of stories, movies, or drama. The term implies a more deliberate and malicious intent. The villain plotted to take over the world Every great story needs a compelling villain to challenge the hero

Examples of usage

He was known throughout the town as a blackguard who would cheat anyone for his own gain.
The blackguard stole money from the charity fund.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical

A lowborn man; a man of humble birth. In historical contexts, a blackguard was often used to refer to a man of the lower social classes.

Synonyms

commoner, peasant, serf.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blackguard	This word should be used to describe a person who is morally corrupt or a scoundrel. It carries a strongly negative connotation. He is nothing but a blackguard, always cheating and lying to get what he wants. The villain in the story was portrayed as a blackguard, betraying his friends for his own gain.
commoner	This term is used to refer to a person who is not of nobility or aristocracy. It is neutral and does not carry strong positive or negative connotations. In medieval times, a commoner would rarely have the opportunity to meet the king. Despite being a commoner, she managed to win the hearts of the noble family with her kindness and intelligence.
peasant	This word refers to a poor farmer or an agricultural worker in historical or less developed contexts. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of education or sophistication. The peasants worked tirelessly in the fields to provide for their families. In the old days, peasants had little chance to improve their social standing.
serf	This term is specific to the feudal system and refers to a person who is legally bound to work on a particular estate and is subject to the will of the landowner. Under the feudal system, a serf had to work the land and pay dues to the lord in exchange for protection. She was born a serf and dreamed of a life of freedom beyond the manor's boundaries.

Examples of usage

The blackguard worked as a stable hand in the manor.
The aristocrats looked down upon the blackguards who worked in the fields.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originated from the combination of 'black' and 'guard', used in the 16th century to describe a servant or a lowly servant, who might wear dark clothes.
Over time, 'blackguard' shifted from describing a servant to referring to someone with bad character.

Literature

Charles Dickens often included blackguard characters in his novels to depict moral conflict and societal issues.
The term can be found in many classic works, often used to portray villains or unscrupulous figures.

Popular Culture

In modern times, the word is sometimes used humorously to describe someone who breaks the rules in a playful way.
The term has made its way into various TV shows and movies, often used to label a charming yet dishonest individual.

Psychology

Research suggests that individuals labeled as blackguards often exhibit traits associated with lower empathy and higher narcissism.
Labeling someone as a blackguard can influence how others perceive their actions and shapes their social interactions.

Historical Usage

Historically, blackguards were often associated with the lower classes, reflecting societal views on behavior and morality.
In the 18th century, it was common for political figures to refer to their opponents as blackguards to undermine their reputations.

Translations

Translations of the word "blackguard" in other languages:

🇵🇹 patife

🇮🇳 दुष्ट

🇩🇪 Schurke

🇮🇩 bajingan

🇺🇦 негідник

🇵🇱 łotr

🇯🇵 悪党 (あくとう)

🇫🇷 scélérat

🇪🇸 canalla

🇹🇷 hain

🇰🇷 악당 (akdang)

🇸🇦 وغد

🇨🇿 lotr

🇸🇰 lotor

🇨🇳 恶棍 (è gùn)

🇸🇮 lopov

🇮🇸 svikari

🇰🇿 арамтамақ

🇬🇪 ნაძირალა (nadzirala)

🇦🇿 alçaq

🇲🇽 canalla

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,497, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29494 meringue
29495 vitriolic
29496 wampum
29497 blackguard
29498 complimenting
29499 ecologist
29500 dehydrating
...