boorish

[ boor-ish ]

adjective

1. of or like a boor; unmannered; crude; insensitive.

   Synonyms: churlish, loutish, uncouth, coarse

   Antonyms: refined

boorish

/ ˈbʊərɪʃ /

adjective

1. ill-mannered, clumsy, or insensitive; rude

Derived Forms

• ˈboorishness, noun
• ˈboorishly, adverb

Other Words From

• boorish·ly adverb
• boorish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of boorish¹

First recorded in 1555–65; boor + -ish ¹

Synonym Study

Boorish, oafish, rude, uncouth all describe persons, acts, manners, or mannerisms that violate in some way the generally accepted canons of polite, considerate behavior. Boorish, originally referring to behavior characteristic of an unlettered rustic or peasant, now implies a coarse and blatant lack of sensitivity to the feelings or values of others: a boorish refusal to acknowledge greetings. Oafish suggests slow-witted, loutlike, clumsy behavior: oafish table manners. Rude has the widest scope of meaning of these words; it suggests either purposefully impudent discourtesy or, less frequently, a rough crudity of appearance or manner: a rude remark; a rude thatched hut. Uncouth stresses most strongly in modern use a lack of good manners, whether arising from ignorance or brashness: uncouth laughter; an uncouth way of staring at strangers.

Example Sentences

Anna Doble’s crucial piece in the Quietus, “Oasisters: Meet Liam & Noel’s 21st Century Female Fan Army,” also pushes back against the stereotype of Oasis fans being all boorish lads — and adds nuance to the perception of Britpop.

From Salon

Men, in this tradition, are the family’s public representative, economic supporter, an unquestioned leader; women are confined to the private realm, charged with keeping a home and raising children, but are also the family’s moral center—the molders of upstanding children and civilizers of otherwise boorish husbands.

From Slate

Men, in this tradition, are the family’s public representative, economic supporter, an unquestioned leader; women are confined to the private realm, charged with keeping a home and raising children, but are also the family’s moral center—the molders of upstanding children and civilizers of otherwise boorish husbands.

From Slate

Blanche repeatedly questioned Cohen about calling Trump a "boorish cartoon misogynist" and "Cheeto-dusted cartoon villain," as well as his motives for testifying and the money he made from books and merchandise criticizing Trump.

From Salon

Blanche asked Cohen if he had once called Trump a "boorish cartoon misogynist" or a "Cheeto-dusted cartoon villain" on his podcasts or social media.

From Salon

Related Words

• barbaric
• churlish
• coarse
• impolite
• rude
• tasteless
• uncivilized
• vulgar