Ruffianly: meaning, definitions and examples

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ruffianly

 

[หˆrษ™fฤ“ษ™nlฤ“ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior description

The term 'ruffianly' describes actions or behaviors that are cruel, violent, or disreputable. It conveys a sense of roughness or unlawfulness, often associated with a person who behaves like a ruffian. Such behavior is typically seen as aggressive or intimidating, lacking regard for social norms or the well-being of others. This word often paints a picture of someone who is not just unruly but also embodies a certain level of brutality or lawlessness.

Synonyms

boorish, rough, uncouth, violent.

Examples of usage

  • The ruffianly gang ruled the streets with fear.
  • His ruffianly attitude earned him many enemies.
  • She dismissed his ruffianly behavior as just a phase.
  • The film depicted a ruffianly character as the antagonist.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'ruffian' comes from the French word 'ruffian,' which means a rough or unruly person.
  • Its origins can be traced back to the Italian word 'ruffiano,' meaning a scoundrel or an immoral person.
  • Historically, it described a class of knockabout characters in Renaissance literature.

Literature

  • The character of ruffians often appears in Shakespeare's plays, symbolizing lawlessness and disobedience.
  • In Charles Dickens' novels, ruffians embody the darker side of society, often as thugs or criminals causing trouble.
  • Ruffians are common in Gothic literature as antagonistic figures who disrupt social order.

History

  • During the 19th century, ruffians were often associated with street gangs in major cities, engaging in violent conflicts.
  • The term evolved through colonial times, linking to the unruly behavior of certain soldiers or militia units.
  • Social reforms in the 1800s often targeted ruffians as part of wider efforts to control urban crime and improve public safety.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, ruffian characters are often depicted in movies as anti-heroes or villains with a rough exterior but possibly a good heart.
  • Popular video games sometimes feature ruffian-like characters known for their rebellious and troublemaking traits.
  • The portrayal of ruffians in cartoons often exaggerates rough behavior for comedic effect, making them memorable.

Psychology

  • Ruffian-like behavior can be linked to social factors such as environment, upbringing, and peer influence.
  • Studies suggest that individuals who display ruffianly traits may seek attention or validation through aggressive behavior.
  • Understanding ruffian behavior can help in developing programs for youth at risk of engaging in delinquency.

Translations

Translations of the word "ruffianly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bรกrbaro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅเค‚เคกเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Raufbold

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ perusuh

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั…ัƒะปั–ะณะฐะฝััŒะบะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ chuligaล„ski

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็„กๆณ•่€…ใฎใ‚ˆใ†ใซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท voyou

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gamberro

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท serseri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํญ๋ ฅ์ ์ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจู„ุทุฌูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ grรกzl

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ darebรกk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆตๆฐ“็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ huliganski

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ krappar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑาฑะทะฐา›ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒœแƒ“แƒ˜แƒขแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dษ™lษ™duz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bandido

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,198, 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.