ruffian

[ ruhf-ee-uhn, ruhf-yuhn ]

noun

1. a tough, lawless person; roughneck; bully.

   Synonyms: blackguard, rogue, knave, tough, brute

adjective

1. Also ruffi·an·ly. tough; lawless; brutal.

ruffian

/ ˈrʌfɪən /

noun

1. a violent or lawless person; hoodlum or villain

Derived Forms

• ˈruffianly, adjective
• ˈruffianism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruffian¹

1525–35; < Middle French < Italian ruffiano, perhaps < Langobardic *hruf scurf + Italian -ano -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruffian¹

C16: from Old French rufien , from Italian ruffiano , perhaps related to Langobardic hruf scurf, scabbiness

Example Sentences

Chickadees may be portrayed as radiating tranquil beauty on holiday cards, but realistically, these loud, round ruffians are tough survivors of harsh winter environments in northern latitudes.

From Los Angeles Times

In America, he's a ruffian who hunts with a bow and arrow.

From Salon

Chaplin was sharing a table with Russian aristocrats and violinist Jascha Heifetz and saw Julian and his buddies kick over a lamp and generally behave like ruffians.

From Los Angeles Times

The ruffian hostility succeeded in turning away the would-be new enrollees.

From Washington Post

With its cast of ruffians, its American sins, its contemplation of quantum physics, its low life and high ideas, “The Passenger” is almost a perfect book.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• delinquent
• goon