Crasser Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🙄
crasser
[ˈkræs.ɚ ]
Definition
behavioral quality
The term 'crasser' is a comparative form of the adjective 'crass,' which describes a lack of sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence. In this context, it refers to actions or statements that are vulgar or offensive in nature. Something described as crasser is typically seen as more inappropriate or socially clumsy than its counterpart. The usage often implies that the behavior is not just misguided but also lacking in social grace or awareness.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- His crasser remarks alienated his friends.
- She preferred the elegance of the original poem over the crasser parody.
- The crasser behavior at the event shocked the attendees.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perception
- In comedic contexts, crass humor can be deliberate, aiming to shock or provoke laughter through absurdity or rudeness.
- The acceptance of crass behavior varies across cultures; what is considered funny in one might be seen as offensive in another.
- Social media has amplified crass expressions, where the line between humor and offensive can often blur dramatically.
Psychology
- People may resort to crass language as a defense mechanism, using humor to cope with uncomfortable situations.
- Research suggests that individuals who communicate crassly can sometimes do so to gain social acceptance within certain peer groups.
- Crassness can also reflect a disconnect from social norms, where individuals may feel less inclined to adhere to expected behaviors in certain contexts.
Literature
- Many satirical novels feature crass characters to highlight societal flaws, often showcasing the absurdity of them through exaggerated actions.
- In poetry, crassness can be used intentionally to jar readers, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about society or human nature.
- Authors like Mark Twain and Charles Dickens used crass humor and characters to critique social issues of their time.
Origin of 'crasser'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'crassus', meaning 'thick' or 'gross', which evolved to indicate something that is 'coarse' or 'vulgar'.
- The concept of being crass originally pertained to physical attributes, but over time, it shifted to describe behavior and language.
- In the English language, it became commonly used in the 19th century to criticize people who lacked refinement or sensitivity.
The word 'crass' originates from the Latin word 'crassus', meaning 'thick, dense, or gross'. It made its way into Middle English through the Old French term 'crasse', which retained the original meanings regarding thick and coarse substances. In English, 'crass' emerged around the late 14th century, beginning to denote not just physical thickness, but also a figurative sense of mental or moral coarseness. As the English language evolved, 'crass' came to describe a certain lack of sensitivity and refinement in behavior or attitudes. The comparative form 'crasser' follows standard English rules for creating comparatives, meaning it is used to indicate something that has more of the quality described by 'crass'. Over time, it has been used to critique social conduct, particularly in settings that demand decorum.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #42,484, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.