Boorish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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boorish

[ˈbʊərɪʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Rough and bad-mannered; coarse.

Synonyms

crude, rude, uncouth, vulgar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
boorish	This word is used to describe someone who behaves in a rough, insensitive, or unrefined way, often lacking manners or refinement. It has a negative connotation. His boorish behavior at the dinner party embarrassed his friends. She found his boorish comments quite offensive.
rude	This term is used for behavior or remarks that are impolite, disrespectful, or offensive. It clearly carries a negative connotation. It was rude of him to interrupt the speaker. She gave a rude response when asked a simple question.
uncouth	Use this word to describe someone or something that is socially awkward, ungraceful, or lacking in culture. This term has a negative connotation. His uncouth manners were evident at the high-society event. She considered his language and behavior utterly uncouth.
crude	This word often refers to a lack of sophistication or subtlety, and can describe behavior, language, or objects. It implies a rawness or unfinished quality and can be somewhat negative. His jokes were too crude for the formal event. The sculpture had a crude, yet compelling, quality to it.
vulgar	This word is used to describe something that is coarse, tasteless, or lacking in refinement, often in a way that is offensive or inappropriate. It has a strong negative connotation. Her vulgar language shocked the guests. The movie was criticized for its vulgar humor.

Examples of usage

He was loud and boorish at the party.
His boorish behavior offended many of the guests.
She found his boorish comments distasteful.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

person

Unrefined in manners or appearance.

Synonyms

barbaric, ill-mannered, uncivilized, uncultured.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
boorish	When someone is acting rude and insensitive in social situations. He was boorish at the dinner party, interrupting everyone and making inappropriate jokes
uncultured	When referring to someone who lacks appreciation or knowledge of the finer aspects of art, music, literature, or manners. Calling opera boring is so uncultured; it's an art form with a rich history
ill-mannered	When someone lacks good manners and is impolite in public or private settings. The ill-mannered child threw a tantrum in the store, refusing to listen to his parents
uncivilized	When describing behavior or people that seem to lack social norms and culture, often suggesting a lack of sophistication. His uncivilized attitude was evident when he spat on the ground in the middle of the conversation
barbaric	When describing something extremely brutal, primitive, or lacking any refinement. Often conveys a strong negative connotation. The treatment of prisoners was barbaric, showing no respect for human dignity

Examples of usage

She couldn't stand his boorish friend.
I was put off by his boorish demeanor.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Boorish characters often appear in classic literature, serving to represent ignorance or a lack of refinement, such as the character of Mr. Collins in 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Modern examples can be found in contemporary dramas and comedies, where boorish behavior is exaggerated for comedic effect.
Writers like Shakespeare and Jane Austen often used boorish figures to create conflict and highlight social norms.

Psychology

Studies in social behavior suggest that people displaying boorish traits may struggle with empathy, impacting their ability to interact positively with others.
Boorish behavior can be a defense mechanism; some individuals may act this way due to insecurity or a lack of social skills.
Social psychologists argue that environments can influence behavior, meaning people may act boorishly in unfamiliar or high-stress situations.

Pop Culture

Boorish characters appear frequently in sitcoms and reality TV, often portrayed as the comic relief or as the antagonist.
In film, boorish behavior is often shown in contrast to more refined characters, creating a classic 'fish out of water' dynamic.
The rise of social media has brought attention to boorish comments and behaviors, leading to discussions about etiquette and civility online.

Cultural Perspectives

Cultural norms dictate what is considered boorish; behaviors acceptable in one culture might be seen as rude in another.
In some societies, displaying strong emotions or speaking directly may be viewed as boorish, while in others, it is seen as honest and forthright.
Understanding different social cues is crucial to avoid being perceived as boorish, especially when traveling or interacting with diverse groups.

Origin of 'boorish'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Dutch word 'boer', meaning farmer; it originally described someone from the countryside who might not know urban manners.
By the 18th century, it was used in English to describe someone unsophisticated or lacking in social grace.
The term reflects a class distinction, highlighting how city dwellers viewed rural farmers as less cultured.

The word 'boorish' originated from the Middle English word 'boris', which meant 'peasant'. Over time, it evolved to describe someone who is rude or uncultured in their behavior. The negative connotations associated with the word reflect societal values around manners and refinement.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,618 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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