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Foul Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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foul

[faÊŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

An unfair or offensive act against an opponent.

Synonyms

infraction, transgression, violation.

Examples of usage

  • The referee penalized the player for a foul.
  • He committed a foul by tripping the opposing player.
Context #2 | Adjective

language

Offensive to the senses; disgusting.

Synonyms

disgusting, nauseating, repugnant.

Examples of usage

  • The foul smell coming from the garbage can was unbearable.
  • The food had a foul taste to it.
Context #3 | Adjective

behavior

Vulgar or obscene.

Synonyms

indecent, obscene, vulgar.

Examples of usage

  • He used foul language in front of the children.
  • Her foul behavior was not acceptable in a professional setting.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'foul'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'foul' has a long history, dating back to Middle English. It originated from Old French 'fouler' meaning 'to trample'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass meanings related to offensive behavior, disgusting smells, and violations in sports. The diverse usage of 'foul' reflects its versatility in the English language.

See also: foulness.

Word Frequency Rank

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