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Ruffian Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ruffian

[ˈrʌfiən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

violent person

A ruffian is a violent and lawless person, often involved in criminal activities or causing trouble in a community.

Synonyms

bully, hoodlum, thug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ruffian

This word describes someone who is violent and rough, often used in a literary or historical context.

  • The queen's guards captured the ruffian who threatened the royal family.
  • In the old town, ruffians roamed the streets causing trouble.
thug

Describes a violent criminal or someone who uses violence to get what they want; often used in a negative context.

  • The thug was arrested for robbery and assault.
  • He was intimidated by a group of thugs demanding money.
bully

It refers to someone who habitually intimidates or harms others, especially in school or workplace settings.

  • The school introduced a new program to stop bullies.
  • Jake stood up to the bully who was picking on his friend.
hoodlum

Refers to a young troublemaker or a member of a gang; often used informally.

  • The movie depicted a group of hoodlums causing chaos in the city.
  • Local businesses were tired of hoodlums vandalizing their property.

Examples of usage

  • The ruffian threatened the shop owner with a knife.
  • The gang of ruffians terrorized the neighborhood with their actions.
Context #2 | Noun

rough or tough person

A ruffian can also refer to a person who is rough or tough in behavior, often displaying a lack of refinement or manners.

Synonyms

bruiser, roughneck, rowdy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ruffian

Used to describe someone who is violent or behaves in a criminal and rough manner. Has a negative connotation and is often used when referring to threatening or unlawful behavior.

  • The ruffian threatened the shopkeeper with a knife.
  • A group of ruffians were causing trouble in the neighborhood.
roughneck

Generally used to describe someone who is tough and rowdy, often associated with manual labor or blue-collar jobs. It can be used neutrally or positively to denote someone hardworking and robust.

  • He worked as a roughneck on the oil rig for most of his life.
  • Despite his roughneck appearance, he was kind-hearted.
bruiser

Often used to describe a large and physically strong person who can be intimidating because of their size. Typically, it does not carry the criminal implication but rather emphasizes physical strength.

  • The bouncer at the bar was a real bruiser.
  • If you need someone to move heavy furniture, call on Bill; he's quite the bruiser.
rowdy

Describes noisy and disorderly behavior, often in a playful or exuberant way. It can be used both negatively and positively depending on the situation.

  • The teenagers were getting a bit rowdy at the party.
  • The crowd at the sports bar became rowdy after the team won the game.

Examples of usage

  • Despite his ruffian appearance, he had a kind heart.
  • She was considered a ruffian due to her loud and boisterous nature.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The word is notably used in Shakespeare's plays, where characters often portray ruffians as mischievous and troublesome figures.
  • Dickens also utilized the term in his novels, presenting ruffians as part of the gritty urban life of Victorian England.
  • In modern literature, ruffians are often seen as tragic anti-heroes, showcasing the complexity of their societal roles.

Psychology

  • People labeled as ruffians may often stem from backgrounds of disadvantage, leading to rebellious or anti-social behavior as a means of coping.
  • Research in social psychology suggests that societal labeling can reinforce ruffian behavior, as individuals conform to expectations placed upon them.
  • The concept of ruffians often ties into discussions about empathy and understanding the underlying causes of delinquent behavior.

Pop Culture

  • In films and television, ruffians are often portrayed as charming yet dangerous characters, adding depth to the narrative.
  • Popular shows frequently depict ruffians in the context of heists or gangs, showcasing the excitement and danger associated with their lifestyles.
  • Video games frequently feature ruffians as antagonists or anti-heroes, challenging players' morals and decision-making.

Social History

  • Historical ruffians often populated lower socioeconomic areas, highlighting issues of class and poverty in urban settings.
  • In the 19th century, the emergence of street gangs in major cities created a new societal view of ruffians as more organized and threatening.
  • Ruffians often represented societal backlash against hierarchy, asserting their identity through rebellion and disorder.

Origin of 'ruffian'

Main points about word origin

  • Originating in the late Middle Ages, the word comes from the French term 'ruffian', which referred to a scoundrel or a rogue.
  • The term initially described a swaggering man, particularly one who was loud and disorderly in his behavior.
  • Ruffian was used in literature as early as the 16th century, indicating a commonality in describing rowdy men of the time.

The word 'ruffian' originated in the late 16th century from Middle French 'rufien' and Italian 'ruffiano', meaning 'pimp' or 'ruffian'. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to a violent or rough person, often associated with criminal behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,575, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.