vulgar

/'vʌlgə/

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Word: Vulgar

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition:

The word "vulgar" describes something that is considered rude, offensive, or lacking in good taste. It often refers to language, behavior, or jokes that are crude or indecent. Additionally, it can describe things that are common or related to the everyday language of ordinary people.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "vulgar" to describe language or behavior that is inappropriate or offensive.
• You can also use it to refer to something that is typical of the general population, especially when it lacks refinement or sophistication.

Examples:

1. Crude Language: "He made a vulgar joke that made everyone uncomfortable at the party."
2. Common Language: "The author wrote in a vulgar style, using simple words to reach a wider audience."
3. Behavior: "Her vulgar behavior at the event surprised everyone, as it was not appropriate for such a formal occasion."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "vulgar" can also be used in discussions about social class and cultural perceptions. For instance, one might refer to the "vulgar display of wealth" to criticize someone for showing off their riches in a way that lacks taste.

Word Variants:

• Vulgarity (noun): The quality of being vulgar; an offensive or indecent act or remark.
  • Example: "The vulgarity of his comments shocked the audience."
• Vulgarize (verb): To make something common or less refined.
  • Example: "The artist vulgarized classical art to appeal to modern tastes."

Different Meanings:

• In historical contexts, "vulgar" can also refer to the language spoken by the common people, as opposed to the formal or literary language of educated people. For instance, "the vulgar tongue" refers to the everyday language used by the masses.

Synonyms:

• Coarse
• Crude
• Indecent
• Rude
• Unrefined
• Boorish

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly using "vulgar," you might encounter phrases like "vulgar display of wealth" or "vulgar humor," which indicate a lack of taste or refinement related to those concepts.

Conclusion:

Understanding the word "vulgar" can help you recognize when something is inappropriate or lacking in taste.

Academic

Adjective

1. conspicuously and tastelessly indecent
   • coarse language
   • a crude joke
   • crude behavior
   • an earthy sense of humor
   • a revoltingly gross expletive
   • a vulgar gesture
   • full of language so vulgar it should have been edited
2. being or characteristic of or appropriate to everyday language
   • common parlance
   • a vernacular term
   • vernacular speakers
   • the vulgar tongue of the masses
   • the technical and vulgar names for an animal species
3. of or associated with the great masses of people
   • the common people in those days suffered greatly
   • behavior that branded him as common
   • his square plebeian nose
   • a vulgar and objectionable person
   • the unwashed masses
4. lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
   • he had coarse manners but a first-rate mind
   • behavior that branded him as common
   • an untutored and uncouth human being
   • an uncouth soldier--a real tough guy
   • appealing to the vulgar taste for violence
   • the vulgar display of the newly rich

Synonyms

• crude
• earthy
• gross
• common
• vernacular
• plebeian
• unwashed
• coarse
• rough-cut
• uncouth