Foul: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Old French 'foul' and Middle English 'foule', both meaning dirty or filthy.
• In ancient English, 'foul' was used to describe something considered unclean or disgusting.

Sports

• In many sports, a 'foul' refers to an action that breaks the rules, such as pushing an opponent in basketball.
• Fouls can lead to penalties or punishments, affecting the outcome of a game.

Literature

• In classic literature, foul often denotes characters or actions that are morally corrupt or villainous.
• Shakespeare used the term in plays to highlight the chaotic and dark elements of human nature.

Psychology

• The presence of foul smells can trigger negative emotions, linking odors to memories of unpleasant experiences.
• Research shows that foul language can result from strong emotions like anger or frustration, indicating a person's emotional state.

Pop Culture

• Foul language is often used in movies and songs to express raw emotion or depict real-life situations.
• Popular cartoons often portray 'foul' characters to emphasize their wickedness or comical nastiness.

At #7,378 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

• ...
• 7375 triple
• 7376 durable
• 7377 dependency
• 7378 foul
• 7379 yeast
• 7380 inflicted
• 7381 graduation
• ...