uncouth

adjective

un·​couth ən-ˈküth How to pronounce uncouth (audio)
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

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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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She’s still been busy, though, with all the ski trials and uncouth houseguests. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for uncouth 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncouth was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Uncouth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncouth. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

uncouth

adjective
un·​couth ˌən-ˈküth How to pronounce uncouth (audio)
1
: strange, awkward, and clumsy in shape or appearance
2
: vulgar in conduct or speech : rude

More from Merriam-Webster on uncouth

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