Crass: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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