Uncouth
/ʌnˈkuːθ/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Uncouth means showing bad manners or behaving in a way that is not socially accepted. It can also mean being awkward or not smooth in actions or speech. People or things described as uncouth often seem rough, impolite, or strange to others.
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See It in Action
Showing bad manners or rude behavior
- •His uncouth behavior at the party embarrassed everyone.
- •It is uncouth to interrupt when someone else is speaking.
- •The man’s uncouth language shocked the polite crowd.
Being socially awkward or lacking refinement
- •She felt uncouth in the elegant ballroom because she did not know the customs.
- •His uncouth way of speaking made people uncomfortable.
- •The uncouth gesture showed he did not understand the formal event.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "uncouth" like "rude" (A1 word), but more about being socially awkward or rough, not just saying mean words
- ✓Picture a person at a fancy dinner who eats loudly and talks with their mouth full—this looks uncouth
- ✓It feels uncomfortable, like when someone breaks the quiet rules in a polite place and makes others feel uneasy
- ✓Sounds like "un-COOTH" → imagine someone missing the "smooth" or "polite" part of behavior, like missing a tooth makes a smile look rough
- ✓Remember stories or movies where a character is a little wild or rough around the edges, not fitting in with polite society
- ✓NOT like "rude" only (which can be mean on purpose); "uncouth" can be unintentional awkwardness or lack of social skill
- ✓NOT like "rough" just physically; "uncouth" is about manners and social behavior, not physical texture
- ✓NOT like "clumsy" (physical awkwardness alone); "uncouth" includes bad manners and strange social behavior
Try Other Words
- •Boorish: meaning rude and insensitive (Use when behavior is very rough and offensive)
- •Uncivil: meaning not polite or respectful (Use in formal contexts about manners)
- •Awkward: meaning uncomfortable or clumsy in social situations (Use when focusing on social awkwardness rather than rudeness)
- •Rough: meaning not smooth or polite (Use when describing behavior that is harsh or not gentle)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "un-" meaning "not"
- •Root: "couth" meaning "cultured," "polished," or "refined" (old English/Scottish origin)
- •Etymology: From Middle English "uncouth," meaning unknown, strange, or uncommon behavior
- •Historical development: Originally meant "unknown" or "unfamiliar," then changed to mean "unrefined" or "not polite"
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people or actions that are socially awkward, rude, or rough in manners
Reflect & Connect
•Can someone be uncouth in one culture but polite in another? How does culture change what is uncouth?
•How do you think people react when they meet someone uncouth? Can first impressions based on uncouth behavior be wrong?
Fill in the blanks
1.His behavior was uncouth because he ___ the polite rules of the event and made others uncomfortable.
2.Feeling ___ in a formal meeting happens when you don't know the right social customs.
3.Unlike being rude, uncouth can also mean ___ or socially awkward behavior without bad intentions.
4.People often say someone is uncouth when they speak or act in a way that is ___ or rough.
5.The word uncouth often pairs with actions like "___ manners" or "___ language."
6.After the mistake, he tried to apologize, but his uncouth ___ made the situation worse.
7.We can infer someone is uncouth if they ___ basic social etiquette during important events.