Loutish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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loutish

[หˆlaสŠtษชสƒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior, attitude

Loutish describes behavior that is rude, boorish, or uncouth. It often refers to someone who acts in an unruly or socially unacceptable manner, displaying a lack of manners or refinement.

Synonyms

boorish, clumsy, rude, uncouth.

Examples of usage

  • His loutish behavior at the party embarrassed everyone.
  • The loutish teenagers shouted insults as they walked by.
  • Her loutish comments in the meeting showed a distaste for diplomacy.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Loutish characters often appear in literature and film as comic antagonists, showcasing exaggerated misbehavior.
  • In social media, the term is used to describe obnoxious behavior, especially among public figures or celebrities.

Psychology

  • Studies show that loud and unruly behavior can often be a mask for insecurity or lack of social skills.
  • Loutish behavior can be linked to social dynamics where individuals feel the need to assert dominance overs others.

Literature

  • In Shakespeareโ€™s works, loutish characters often serve as comic relief, highlighting their crudeness against more refined characters.
  • The term has been used in various literary critiques to describe characters that donโ€™t adhere to social norms.

Origin of 'loutish'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lout' originates from Middle English, where it meant a clumsy or awkward boy.
  • It may have roots in the Old Norse word 'lรบtr,' which means someone who is crouching or slouching.

The word 'loutish' originates from the Middle English term 'loute', which meant a clumsy or ill-mannered person, likely deriving from the Old Norse word 'lรบtr' meaning hunchbacked or bent. Its usage in English began in the 15th century, specifically to characterize someone with low social manners or poor behavior. The term was often associated with rural, unrefined individuals as society began to define and value politeness and decorum more rigorously. Over the centuries, 'loutish' has retained its negative connotations related to a lack of civility and cultural sophistication while being used in various literary and social critiques to highlight the contrast between refined behavior and brutish ignorance.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,308, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.