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Crass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crass

[kras ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence; coarse and unrefined.

Synonyms

brash, tactless, vulgar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crass

Used to describe someone who is insensitive or shows a lack of proper manners, particularly in a way that is rude or offensive.

  • His crass jokes made everyone uncomfortable.
  • It was crass to talk about her financial problems in public.
vulgar

Describes someone or something that is lacking in taste, refinement, and class, often characterized by crudeness or indecency. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • The comedian's vulgar sense of humor didn't sit well with everyone.
  • That painting is considered vulgar by many art critics.
tactless

Refers to someone who lacks sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues, often resulting in unintentional offense or discomfort.

  • His tactless remark about her dress offended her greatly.
  • She can be so tactless at times, not realizing how her words affect others.
brash

Used when someone is overly confident and aggressive, often in a way that seems rude or off-putting.

  • Her brash attitude made it difficult to work with her.
  • He made a brash decision without considering the consequences.

Examples of usage

  • His crass remarks offended many people at the party.
  • I was shocked by her crass behavior towards the staff.
Context #2 | Adjective

material

Thick and heavy in a way that is unattractive or lacking elegance.

Synonyms

coarse, harsh, rough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crass

Appropriate when describing something that is insensitive or lacking in refinement. It often has a negative connotation.

  • His crass comments at the dinner party ruined the mood
  • It was crass to make fun of someone’s accent
coarse

Used to describe something that is rough in texture or vulgar in manners and speech.

  • The coarse fabric irritated her skin
  • His coarse language offended many people at the meeting
rough

Best used to describe something that isn't smooth in texture or a situation that is not gentle or easy.

  • The rough surface of the table needed to be sanded
  • It was a rough journey through the mountains
harsh

Suitable for situations that are extremely unkind or severe. It can also describe something that is physically rough or jarring.

  • The teacher's harsh criticism made the student cry
  • The harsh weather conditions made it difficult to travel

Examples of usage

  • The crass design of the building did not fit in with the surrounding architecture.
  • She disliked the crass feel of the cheap fabric.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Context

  • In comedy and entertainment, someone who is described as crass may use crude jokes or language that offends others.
  • The word is often used in discussions about social etiquette, particularly when critiquing behavior in public or formal settings.

Psychology

  • People may perceive crass behavior as a sign of low emotional intelligence or a lack of empathy towards others.
  • Studies suggest that individuals who frequently display crassness might struggle with social norms and cues.

Literature

  • Authors often use characters described as crass to highlight societal flaws or to provide comic relief in serious narratives.
  • Famous works might depict crassness as a way to critique or illuminate the flaws in social hierarchies.

Modern Usage

  • In social media, posts or comments that can be considered crass often attract negative reactions and backlash.
  • The term is frequently applied to political discourse, where candidates may be criticized for crass remarks.

Origin of 'crass'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'crassus,' meaning thick or coarse.
  • It was initially used in English around the late 14th century to describe things that were dense or heavy.
  • Over time, its meaning shifted towards describing a lack of sensitivity or social grace.

The word 'crass' originated from the Latin word 'crassus', meaning thick or solid. Over the years, 'crass' has evolved to describe something lacking refinement or intelligence. It has been used in English since the 17th century to criticize behavior, material, or remarks as being coarse or unrefined.

See also: crassly.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,690, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.