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Swinish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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swinish

[หˆswษชnษชสƒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior, descriptive

Swinish refers to behavior that is akin to that of swine; it describes conduct that is considered dirty, gluttonous, or greedy. The term is often used to characterize actions or qualities that are unrefined or vulgar.

Synonyms

greedy, lustful, uncouth.

Examples of usage

  • His swinish habits disgusted everyone.
  • The swinish lifestyle of excess led to numerous health issues.
  • They were criticized for their swinish disregard for cleanliness.

Translations

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

Origin of 'swinish'

The term 'swinish' originates from the Middle English word 'swinisch', which means 'swine-like' or 'pertaining to pigs'. This word itself derives from the Old English 'swฤซn', meaning 'swine' or 'pig'. The concept of associating certain behaviors with pigs likely stems from the perception of swine as dirty animals, often wallowing in mud and displaying gluttonous behavior. Over time, 'swinish' evolved to describe human behaviors that reflect a lack of refinement, hygiene, or moderation, often used in social and moral critiques. It has been used in literature and criticism to denote peopleโ€™s indulgences or lack of decorum, solidifying its place in the English language while retaining its negative connotations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,258, 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.