English Explanatory Dictionary

ruffian

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
  2. A pimp; a pander.
  3. A lover; a paramour.
verb
  1. To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.
adj
  1. Brutal, cruel, ruffianlike.

Pronunciation

/ˈɹʌfi.ən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-ruffian.wav

Word forms

ruffian ruffians ruffianing ruffianed more ruffian most ruffian

Etymology

From Middle French rufian, from Italian ruffiano (“pimp”).

Synonyms

rogue scamp agitator bad boy bad news bear beggar bhoy blackguard booger boot boy bovver boy brat brawler breedbate buffoon bugger bully charva cutup devil elf enfant terrible firebrand gadfly hell-raiser hood hoodlum hool hoolie hooligan hothead imp inciter initiator instigator jackanapes joker jokester kindle-coal kindle-fire knave lout makebate minx mischief mischief-maker miscreant ne'er-do-well pixie pot stirrer practical joker prankster puck punk rabble rouser rakeshame rantipole rapscallion rascal

Derived words

ruffianage ruffiandom ruffianhood ruffianish ruffianism ruffianize ruffianlike ruffianly ruffianous
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