Meanest: meaning, definitions and examples
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meanest
[ˈmiːnɪst ]
Definition
personality trait
The term 'meanest' is the superlative form of the adjective 'mean'. It characterizes a person who is exceedingly unkind, spiteful, or harsh to others. Often, it implies a level of cruelty or insensitivity that is above others in intensity. A meanest individual may derive pleasure from causing pain or discomfort to others. This term can also be used to describe acts that are considered particularly cruel or malicious.
Synonyms
cruelest, harshest, nastiest, unkindest.
Examples of usage
- He was the meanest kid in the school.
- She has the meanest attitude towards her classmates.
- That was the meanest joke I've ever heard.
- Don't be the meanest person at the party.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word originates from the Old English term 'mean', which meant 'common' or 'lowly'.
- In Middle English, 'mean' evolved to imply average and also included the sense of being uncaring or unkind.
- The superlative form 'meanest' was first recorded in usage around the 14th century.
Psychology
- Acts of being mean can stem from insecurity; sometimes, people feel better by making others feel bad.
- Research shows that children who are bullied often mimic mean behavior to exert control when they feel powerless.
- Empathy is key to counteracting mean behavior; understanding another’s feelings can create stronger connections.
Pop Culture
- The term 'mean girl' became popular from the 2004 movie, depicting high school cliques and their unkind interactions.
- Mean behavior is a common theme in literature, like in 'The Lord of the Flies', where cruelty emerges among boys stranded on an island.
- Reality TV often showcases the 'mean' character, who creates drama, reflecting societal views on unkindness.
Literature
- The concept of the meanest character is often used in storytelling to highlight themes of redemption or transformation.
- Classic fairy tales frequently feature a mean character, like wicked stepmothers, to contrast with the heroic protagonists.
- In Shakespeare’s plays, characters labeled as 'mean' often embody traits of jealousy, greed, or vengeance.
Education
- Bullying prevention programs in schools focus on recognizing and addressing mean behavior to promote kindness.
- Teaching empathy and conflict resolution can help reduce mean interactions among children.
- In social-emotional learning, discussions about mean behavior encourage students to reflect on their actions and adjust accordingly.
Translations
Translations of the word "meanest" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mais malvado
🇮🇳 सबसे दुष्ट
🇩🇪 gemeinster
🇮🇩 paling jahat
🇺🇦 найпідліший
🇵🇱 najbardziej złośliwy
🇯🇵 最も意地悪な
🇫🇷 le plus méchant
🇪🇸 el más malvado
🇹🇷 en kötü
🇰🇷 가장 심술궂은
🇸🇦 الأكثر شراً
🇨🇿 nejzlovolnější
🇸🇰 najzlovestnejší
🇨🇳 最邪恶的
🇸🇮 najzlohotnejši
🇮🇸 vondasti
🇰🇿 ең зұлым
🇬🇪 ყველაზე ბოროტი
🇦🇿 ən şərin
🇲🇽 el más malvado