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Behavior and Conduct, Conflict and Confrontation, Disdain and Contempt, Hostility and Dispute
delinquent,gangster,hoodlum,hooligan,outlaw,rogue,thug,tough
eb68db_85b46d3b8f67429db5bccdcf7e54e4af.mp3
brute,bully,troublemaker,villain
thug, gentleman, pacifist, law-abider
ruffian
IPA
Dictionary definition of ruffian
An individual who is rough, tough, or violent in behavior or appearance.
"The ruffians loitering near the park made the parents concerned for their children's safety."
Detailed meaning of ruffian
It typically describes a person who engages in criminal or aggressive activities, displaying a lack of respect for the law and societal norms. A ruffian often exhibits a disregard for the well-being of others and may resort to intimidation, threats, or physical violence to achieve their objectives. The term carries a connotation of lawlessness, unruliness, and a tendency to disrupt or disturb the peace. Ruffians are commonly associated with street gangs, organized crime, or individuals who engage in acts of hooliganism. While the term can be used to describe both men and women, it is more commonly applied to males.
Example sentences containing ruffian
1. The ruffian approached the unsuspecting pedestrian, demanding money.
2. The bar brawl erupted when a group of ruffians started a fight.
3. The town had become notorious for its gang of ruffians causing trouble.
4. The authorities were determined to apprehend the ruffians responsible for the vandalism.
5. The ruffian's menacing stare sent shivers down everyone's spines.
6. The victim bravely stood up to the ruffian, refusing to be intimidated.
History and etymology of ruffian
The noun 'ruffian,' denoting an individual who is rough, tough, or violent in behavior or appearance, has an intriguing etymology that harks back to the 16th century. It can be traced to the French word 'rufien,' which meant a pimp or a scoundrel. The French term itself likely derived from the Italian 'ruffiano,' with a similar meaning. The Italian 'ruffiano' was associated with brothels and referred to a procurer or a panderer. This linguistic journey reveals that 'ruffian' initially described someone involved in unsavory activities, particularly those connected to the world of vice and criminality. Over time, its usage broadened to describe individuals displaying rough and violent behavior, which continues to be its primary connotation today.
Further usage examples of ruffian
1. The ruffian's reputation as a troublemaker spread throughout the neighborhood.
2. The police were on high alert, prepared to handle any ruffian activity during the protest.
3. The shopkeeper installed security cameras to deter ruffians from stealing.
4. The brave citizen confronted the ruffian, defending an elderly person from harm.
5. The community worked together to identify and report the ruffians causing disturbances in the area.
6. The ruffian threatened the pedestrians on the dark street.
7. We must avoid confrontations with ruffians in this neighborhood.
8. The bouncer removed the ruffian from the nightclub.
9. The ruffian's menacing presence made people uneasy.
10. He tried to reform the young ruffian through mentorship.
11. The police arrested the ruffian after the bar fight.
12. The ruffian's tattoos and scars told a story of his past.
13. A group of ruffians vandalized the park last night.
14. The ruffian's reputation for violence was well-known.
15. She encountered a ruffian while walking through the alley.
16. The ruffian's intimidating demeanor masked his insecurity.
17. The community rallied against the presence of ruffians.
18. The ruffian's actions were a detriment to the neighborhood.
19. He tried to reason with the ruffian to avoid a fight.
20. The ruffian's gang was involved in criminal activities.
21. The ruffian's arrest marked a turning point in his life.
22. The town had its share of ruffians, but most were harmless.
23. The bar refused entry to anyone who looked like a ruffian.
24. The ruffian's aggressive behavior landed him in jail.
25. The ruffian's threats were taken seriously by the community.
