uncouth

adjective

un·​couth ən-ˈküth 

1

a

: awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior : rude

b

: lacking in polish and grace : rugged

uncouth verse

c

: strange or clumsy in shape or appearance : outlandish

2

a

archaic : not known or not familiar to one : seldom experienced : uncommon, rare

b

obsolete : mysterious, uncanny

uncouthly adverb

uncouthness noun

Did you know?

History of Uncouth: From Unfamiliar to Outlandish

Uncouth comes from Old English cūth, meaning "familiar" or "known," prefixed by un-, giving the meaning "unfamiliar." How did a word that meant "unfamiliar" come to mean "outlandish," "rugged," or "rude"? Some examples from literature illustrate that the transition happened quite naturally. In Captain Singleton, Daniel Defoe refers to "a strange noise more uncouth than any they had ever heard." In William Shakespeare's As You Like It, Orlando tells Adam, "If this uncouth forest yield anything savage, I will either be food for it or bring it for food to thee." In Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod Crane fears "to look over his shoulder, lest he should behold some uncouth being tramping close behind him!" So, that which is unfamiliar is often perceived as strange, wild, or unpleasant. Meanings such as "outlandish," "rugged," or "rude" naturally follow.

Synonyms

• boorish
• churlish
• classless
• cloddish
• clownish
• loutish

Examples of uncouth in a Sentence

People thought he was uncouth and uncivilized.

will not tolerate any uncouth behavior, such as eating with one's mouth open

Recent Examples on the Web

That collab has produced six custom 1α bikes, each costing €19,900, and looking – to my uncouth eye, at least – almost exactly like standard 1α models (priced at €14,900) but with an ill-fitting and slightly fuzzy seat cover. —New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2024

Wilson’s characters run the gamut from uncouth to in-your-face offensive — none more than the tacky small-town beautician Wilson embodies in a brash, John Waters-esque musical satire, situated where overzealous progressive values meet old-school pageantry at its most patriarchal. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 Sep. 2024

Masters of None The practice of interviewing government officials became commonplace in the United States by the 1880s, but was considered uncouth in parts of Europe through the end of the First World War. —Harper's Magazine, 21 June 2024

Many protesters were uncouth, drunk, and aggressive, taunting the masked and refusing to wear masks in stores and restaurants. —Krista Stevens, Longreads, 17 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English uncūth, from un- + cūth familiar, known; akin to Old High German kund known, Old English can know — more at can entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

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Kids Definition

uncouth

adjective

un·​couth ˌən-ˈküth 

1

: strange, awkward, and clumsy in shape or appearance

2

: vulgar in conduct or speech : rude