Cur: meaning, definitions and examples
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cur
[ kɜːr ]
dog behavior
A 'cur' is a term often used to describe a dog that is considered to be of a mixed breed or a dog that does not have a particularly noble lineage. The term can carry a slightly derogatory connotation, implying that the dog may be unrefined or less desirable in terms of temperament or appearance. Historically, curs were working dogs that were used for various purposes, including herding and hunting. They were often valued for their practicality rather than their pedigree.
Synonyms
mixed breed, mongrel, mutt, scrappy dog
Examples of usage
- The farmer kept a cur to help him herd the sheep.
- That cur barked at strangers passing by.
- His dog was quite a cur, always getting into trouble.
- She adopted a stray cur from the shelter.
derogatory term
In another sense, 'cur' can refer to a contemptible person, especially someone who is mean or cowardly. This usage is quite old and is rooted in the same sense of unworthiness found in the definition related to dogs. It often implies a lack of moral integrity or kindness.
Synonyms
cad, rascal, scoundrel, wretch
Examples of usage
- He acted like a cur when he betrayed his friends.
- Don't be a cur; stand up for what's right.
- She called him a cur for his dishonesty.
Translations
Translations of the word "cur" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mau
- cão vadio
- desprezível
🇮🇳 कुत्ता
- बुरा
- नीच
🇩🇪 Hund
- niederträchtig
- schäbig
🇮🇩 anjing
- jahat
- rendah
🇺🇦 собака
- поганий
- нікчемний
🇵🇱 pies
- zły
- nikczemny
🇯🇵 犬
- 悪い
- みじめな
🇫🇷 chien
- mauvais
- méprisable
🇪🇸 perro
- malo
- despreciable
🇹🇷 köpek
- kötü
- alçak
🇰🇷 개
- 나쁜
- 비열한
🇸🇦 كلب
- سيء
- حقير
🇨🇿 pes
- špatný
- podlý
🇸🇰 pes
- zlý
- podlý
🇨🇳 狗
- 坏
- 卑鄙
🇸🇮 pes
- slab
- podlo
🇮🇸 hundur
- vondur
- ófreskur
🇰🇿 ит
- жаман
- төмен
🇬🇪 ძაღლი
- ცუდი
- შეურაცხმყოფელი
🇦🇿 it
- pis
- alçaq
🇲🇽 perro
- malo
- despreciable
Word origin
The word 'cur' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French term 'coure' or 'curre', which referred to a dog of an inferior breed. The term is believed to stem from the root word associated with barking or yapping sounds, possibly linked to the Latin 'currere', meaning 'to run', which mirrors the behavior often exhibited by such dogs. Over time, 'cur' evolved to describe not just the mixed-breed dogs but also came to acquire a derogatory sense for people. By the late 14th century, it was being utilized in English literature to denote contemptible qualities in both animals and humans, reflecting societal attitudes towards purity of breed and moral character.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #17,309, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 17306 servo
- 17307 calmness
- 17308 disconnect
- 17309 cur
- 17310 victimization
- 17311 calcification
- 17312 cipher
- ...