scurrilous

[ skur-uh-luhs, skuhr- ]

adjective

1. grossly or obscenely abusive:

   a scurrilous attack on the mayor.

   Synonyms: offensive, insulting, vituperative

2. characterized by or using low buffoonery; coarsely jocular or derisive:

   a scurrilous jest.

   Synonyms: vulgar

scurrilous

/ ˈskʌrɪləs; skəˈrɪlɪtɪ /

adjective

1. grossly or obscenely abusive or defamatory
2. characterized by gross or obscene humour

Derived Forms

• scurrility, noun
• ˈscurrilously, adverb

Other Words From

• scurril·ous·ly adverb
• scurril·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurrilous¹

First recorded in 1570–80; scurrile + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurrilous¹

C16: from Latin scurrīlis derisive, from scurra buffoon

Example Sentences

Middlesbrough, who host Swansea in the Championship on Saturday, backed the "strongest possible action" being taken against "scurrilous individuals" who caused disorder in the town.

From BBC

The defense has suggested that Trump was trying to protect his family, not his campaign, by squelching what he says were false, scurrilous claims.

From Seattle Times

His defense has suggested that Trump was trying to protect his family — not his campaign — by squelching what he says were false, scurrilous claims.

From Seattle Times

A representative for Copperfield told BBC News the allegations were "false and scurrilous" and "the exact opposite of who David is".

From BBC

Botham was a superstar and stories about him, especially scurrilous ones, sold papers.

From BBC

Related Words

• defamatory
• indecent
• insulting
• lewd
• obscene
• offending
• outrageous
• salacious
• scandalous
• slanderous