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Uncouth: meaning, definitions and examples

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uncouth

 

[ʌnˈkuːθ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Lacking good manners, refinement, or grace; rude or impolite. Uncouth behavior may include speaking loudly in public, interrupting others, or using offensive language.

Synonyms

boorish, crude, impolite, rude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncouth

Use this word to describe someone who behaves in a socially unacceptable or awkward way, often seen as rough or lacking refinement.

  • His uncouth manners at the dinner table embarrassed everyone
rude

A general term for disrespectful or offensively impolite behavior.

  • She found his constant interruptions during the meeting very rude
impolite

A less intense term for rude behavior, especially in terms of neglecting social norms or basic manners.

  • It was impolite of him to not say 'thank you' after receiving the gift
crude

This word describes something or someone that is rough or unrefined. It can also imply vulgarity or lack of sophistication.

  • His crude jokes offended many people at the party
boorish

This word is useful to describe rude or insensitive behavior, typically from someone who is uneducated or mannerless.

  • The boorish guest loudly interrupted the speaker multiple times

Examples of usage

  • He was often criticized for his uncouth behavior at formal events.
  • Her uncouth remarks offended many of the guests.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Lacking sophistication or elegance in appearance; awkward or clumsy. An uncouth outfit may consist of mismatched clothing or uncombed hair.

Synonyms

awkward, clumsy, gauche, unrefined.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncouth

Best used when describing behavior or manners that are considered rude or socially unacceptable.

  • His uncouth remarks made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The man's uncouth behavior at the dinner party shocked the guests.
awkward

Used when talking about someone who is physically or socially uncomfortable or does not know how to act appropriately in social situations.

  • She felt awkward during her first day at the new job.
  • There was an awkward silence after his joke fell flat.
clumsy

Applies when referring to someone who is physically uncoordinated or prone to accidents.

  • His clumsy attempt to catch the ball resulted in a fall.
  • She is too clumsy to be a dancer.
unrefined

Describes someone lacking elegance, sophistication, or cultured behavior.

  • His unrefined table manners were a topic of discussion among the guests.
  • She wished her new colleagues were less unrefined.
gauche

Used when referring to someone's lack of social grace or tact, especially in refined or sophisticated settings.

  • His gauche comments during the meeting were embarrassing.
  • She found his behavior at the gala to be extremely gauche.

Examples of usage

  • She felt out of place in the elegant restaurant with her uncouth attire.
  • His uncouth appearance drew curious glances from passersby.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'uncouth' comes from the Old English 'uncūð', meaning 'unknown' or 'strange'.
  • Over time, the meaning shifted to describe someone as lacking manners or refinement.
  • The prefix 'un-' usually means 'not', while 'couth' refers to being cultured or well-mannered.

Literature

  • Famous works often use the concept of 'uncouth' characters to highlight social contrasts, representing those who challenge societal norms.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, many characters display uncouth behavior, which often leads to comical or harsh consequences.
  • Mark Twain’s writing often challenged conventional behaviors, highlighting the clash between refined society and those deemed uncouth.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that uncouth behavior may stem from social anxiety, where individuals struggle to meet societal expectations.
  • Uncouth actions can be a defense mechanism, displaying inner turmoil or lack of confidence in social settings.
  • Research shows that perceptions of what's considered uncouth can vary widely across different cultures and environments.

Pop Culture

  • Many comedic films feature uncouth characters whose awkwardness leads to hilarious situations, often serving as a foil to more polished characters.
  • Reality TV shows frequently highlight uncouth behavior, as audiences are captivated by the drama that comes from social mishaps.
  • The term 'uncouth' is sometimes embraced in punk and alternative cultures, where nonconformity is celebrated and bad manners are often part of the identity.

Social Etiquette

  • In various cultures, what is considered uncouth may include speaking too loudly in public or not adhering to dining customs.
  • Some people proudly identify as 'uncouth' to reject societal norms and embrace authenticity, prioritizing sincerity over etiquette.
  • The evolution of social media has led to new forms of behavior being judged as uncouth, especially in virtual spaces with diverse social rules.

Translations

Translations of the word "uncouth" in other languages:

🇵🇹 grosseiro

🇮🇳 असभ्य

🇩🇪 ungehobelt

🇮🇩 kasar

🇺🇦 грубий

🇵🇱 nieokrzesany

🇯🇵 無作法

🇫🇷 grossier

🇪🇸 tosco

🇹🇷 kabalık

🇰🇷 무례한

🇸🇦 غير مهذب

🇨🇿 nevychovaný

🇸🇰 nevychovaný

🇨🇳 粗鲁

🇸🇮 neotesan

🇮🇸 ókurteis

🇰🇿 дөрекі

🇬🇪 უხეში

🇦🇿 kobud

🇲🇽 tosco

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,863, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.