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Loutishness: meaning, definitions and examples

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loutishness

 

[ˈlaʊtΙͺΚƒnΙͺs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

behavior trait

Loutishness refers to the crude, uncouth, or ill-mannered behavior typically associated with a lout or a boor. It is characterized by a lack of refinement or social grace, often leading to rudeness or awkwardness in social situations.

Synonyms

boorishness, rudeness, uncouthness, vulgarity.

Examples of usage

  • His loutishness at the dinner table embarrassed his family.
  • The loutishness displayed during the event shocked the guests.
  • Her comments were filled with loutishness, making everyone uncomfortable.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the word 'lout', which was first recorded in the 14th century, meaning a clumsy or awkward person.
  • Originally, 'lout' might have been derived from the Old English 'lutan', meaning to bend down or bow, reflecting an ungraceful demeanor.
  • The '-ishness' suffix is used to form nouns meaning 'the state of being', so 'loutishness' literally means the state of being loutish.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', the character Caliban is often referred to with terms reflecting 'loutishness' due to his brutish behavior.
  • Loutish behaviors are frequently critiqued in Victorian literature, contrasting the values of civility during that time.
  • Modern novels often portray loutish characters as comic relief, emphasizing their rough mannerisms against more sophisticated characters.

Social Psychology

  • Research shows that loutish behavior can stem from social environments where aggression and disrespect are normalized.
  • Loutishness can be tied to concepts of masculinity, where dominant behaviors are sometimes mistakenly equated with strength.
  • The study of social interactions indicates that loutishness often leads to negative evaluations by peers, affecting personal relationships.

Popular Culture

  • Certain characters in movies and TV shows, like the irresponsible teenagers in comedies, embody loutishness for comedic effect.
  • Social media platforms can amplify loutish behaviors, with some users displaying a lack of respect or decorum in their posts.
  • Reality TV often features participants exhibiting loutishness, which can lead to dramatic tension and entertainment value.

Historical Context

  • In historical contexts, loutish characters were often depicted as lower-class individuals, suggesting a societal critique of class and behavior.
  • The 18th-century British tabloids used loutishness as a label for behavior considered improper among the aristocracy, highlighting class divisions.
  • Many historical documents discuss loutish behavior as detrimental to community values, suggesting a push towards civility and decency.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,945, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.