scurrilous

[ skur-uh-luhs, skuhr- ]

adjective

1. grossly or obscenely abusive:

   a scurrilous attack on the mayor.

   Synonyms: offensive, insulting, vituperative

2. characterized by or using low buffoonery; coarsely jocular or derisive:

   a scurrilous jest.

   Synonyms: vulgar

scurrilous

/ skəˈrɪlɪtɪ; ˈskʌrɪləs /

adjective

1. grossly or obscenely abusive or defamatory
2. characterized by gross or obscene humour

Derived Forms

• scurrility, noun
• ˈscurrilously, adverb

Other Words From

• scurril·ous·ly adverb
• scurril·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurrilous¹

First recorded in 1570–80; scurrile + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurrilous¹

C16: from Latin scurrīlis derisive, from scurra buffoon

Example Sentences

Failing that, Abrams should issue a public apology to Hagel for making this scurrilous charge.

From The Daily Beast

And this time there will be no internal committees of enquiry or scurrilous U.N. Goldstone commissions.

From The Daily Beast

The White House counsel was done in by a scurrilous leaks campaign.

From The Daily Beast

During its one year in office, the Zardari government has passed two measly but scurrilous bills.

From The Daily Beast

Whether he was hurt or not, Wilkinson could talk, for he was pouring out scurrilous epithets.

From Project Gutenberg

At my first appearance, many of the young members affronted me highly, and demanded several scurrilous questions.

From Project Gutenberg

In Grundtvig, the taunting degenerates into a scurrilous tirade.

From Project Gutenberg

The alleged oath is scurrilous, wicked and libelous and must be the invention of an impious and venomous mind.

From Project Gutenberg

The old scurrilous ballads against the mass and relics were heard in the streets.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• defamatory
• indecent
• insulting
• lewd
• obscene
• offending
• outrageous
• salacious
• scandalous
• slanderous