Word: uncouth

Associations

"Uncouth" describes someone who is rude, or socially awkward, and lacking in refinement or good manners.

• Example 1: "His uncouth behavior at the dinner party shocked the guests." This shows that his manners were very poor.
• Example 2: "She found his uncouth comments embarrassing." This indicates that his remarks were not suitable or polite.
• Example 3: "The uncouth traveler chewed with his mouth open." This highlights the lack of etiquette in his actions.

A well-known synonym for "uncouth" is "rude." However, "uncouth" involves not just rudeness but also a lack of social grace or sophistication. While "rude" can simply mean impolite, "uncouth" implies a more general lack of cultural or social refinement.

Substitution

Instead of "uncouth," you might use:

• "Rude" – specifically focuses on impolite behavior.
• "Unrefined" – emphasizes a lack of sophistication or subtlety.
• "Crude" – suggests a roughness or a lack of manners, often in a more direct or raw way.
• "Boorish" – specifically describes someone who is insensitive and ill-mannered.

Each of these substitutions can change the nuance of what you're trying to express, so choose based on the specific behavior you want to highlight.