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Lout Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘น
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lout

[laสŠt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

an uncouth and aggressive man or boy

Synonyms

boor, bully, ruffian.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lout

Used to describe a man or boy who behaves in a very rude, awkward, or aggressive way.

  • The party was ruined by a group of drunken louts.
  • I can't believe he acted like such a lout during the meeting.
boor

Refers to a person who is rude and lacks good manners, often seen in a social context.

  • Despite his education, he remains a boor who interrupts conversations.
  • The dinner was unpleasant because of the boor at the next table.
ruffian

Used for someone who is violent or behaves in a brutal way, often involving crime.

  • The ruffians attacked him when he was walking home at night.
  • The quiet town was disturbed by a gang of ruffians.
bully

Describes someone who harms or intimidates those who are weaker or vulnerable, often repeatedly.

  • The school has a zero-tolerance policy toward bullies.
  • He was always a bully to the smaller kids in the neighborhood.

Examples of usage

  • He was a lout who always caused trouble at school.
  • The lout shouted insults at passersby.
Context #2 | Verb

behavior

behave in a rough, rude, or aggressive way

Synonyms

act rudely, behave uncouthly, display aggression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lout

Used to describe someone who is behaving in a rude and clumsy manner, often suggesting a lack of manners and refinement. Typically has a negative connotation.

  • The lout stumbled into the room, knocking over a chair.
  • Why do you always act like such a lout at family gatherings?
behave uncouthly

Describes behavior that is awkward, ungraceful, and lacking good manners. Often used in more formal or literary contexts.

  • She was embarrassed by how he behaved uncouthly at the art gallery.
  • The guests were shocked when he began to behave uncouthly at the reception.
act rudely

Refers to the behavior of someone who is being disrespectful or inconsiderate towards others.

  • He acts rudely to the waitstaff whenever they visit that restaurant.
  • It is unacceptable to act rudely during a formal dinner.
display aggression

Refers to showing aggressive behavior or hostility towards others. Important to note that this can sometimes imply physical aggressiveness.

  • He began to display aggression during the argument, raising his voice and clenching his fists.
  • The coach warned the players not to display aggression on the field.

Examples of usage

  • Stop louting around and act like a civilized person.
  • He louts around the office, annoying everyone with his behavior.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters described as louts often serve as comedic figures, highlighting the contrast between sophistication and rudeness.
  • Shakespeare used the term in his works, showcasing its recognition in the English language for centuries.
  • Modern films frequently depict loutish characters to emphasize themes of poor manners versus refined behavior.

Psychology

  • Being a lout may relate to social upbringing and lack of cultural exposure, influencing individuals' behavior in society.
  • Studies suggest that rudeness can spread in social settings, leading to a cycle of thoughtless behavior among groups.
  • The term reflects societal expectations of behavior, where deviation from politeness can alert others to a person's character.

Pop Culture

  • In reality TV shows, 'lout' often describes contestants who embrace boorish behavior, contrasting with those aiming for grace.
  • The character traits of louts are commonly exaggerated in cartoons, making them humorous through their lack of awareness.
  • Music and songs have referenced louts, often to criticize societal neglect of manners and civility.

Literature

  • Classic novels often feature loutish characters as antagonists, serving to highlight the virtues of the protagonists.
  • Contemporary authors continue to explore themes around rudeness, using louts to challenge social norms.
  • Poetry sometimes employs the term to evoke imagery of uncivil behavior, creating a stark contrast with more refined imagery.

Origin of 'lout'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lout' comes from the Middle English 'loute', meaning to bow or stoop, which suggests something about being low or uncouth.
  • It evolved from the Old English term 'lลซta', which referred to a man who is clumsy or foolish.
  • Lout has been used since the 15th century to describe rude behavior, showing the lasting nature of the word.

The word 'lout' originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'lลซtan' meaning 'to bow' or 'to stoop'. Over time, the meaning shifted to refer to a clumsy, awkward, or uncouth person. The negative connotation of the word developed due to its association with rude or aggressive behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,810 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.