ruffian
Americannoun
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of ruffian
1525–35; < Middle French < Italian ruffiano, perhaps < Langobardic *hruf scurf + Italian -ano -an
Explanation
A ruffian is a bully, someone who is violent toward others. Maybe they had a bad childhood, or perhaps they like the sound of people in pain. No matter where they come from, ruffians are best avoided. Soccer fans have a reputation for being ruffians. Sure, some are sensitive poetry-reading types, but the ones that get the most attention scream obscenities, break things, and fight each other. Ruffian comes from a Germanic word that literally translates as “scabbiness,” and perhaps ruffians are covered in scabs from all the fights they start. Sometimes a ruffian is a person involved in crime, however, the word is always used to describe someone who’s a cruel, violent jerk.
Vocabulary lists containing ruffian
"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 1–7
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Hamilton
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Treasure Island
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In July 1975, the filly Ruffian competed in a highly anticipated match race against Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure.
From Washington Times • Jun. 1, 2023
Since then, La Onda wines have appeared on the wine lists of a number of highly regarded restaurants: Ruffian, in Manhattan; Roberta’s, in Brooklyn; Quince, in San Francisco; Bavel, in Los Angeles.
From The New Yorker • Nov. 18, 2019
Ruffian survived, but his experience aligns with data Van der Hoop and colleagues reported in 2016 in Ecology and Evolution.
From Science Magazine • Nov. 7, 2017
Having gained a degree of separation from Halliwell, after his release Orton began to find success, with The Ruffian on the Stair broadcast on BBC radio in 1964.
From BBC • Aug. 8, 2017
The objection to the whole Police system, as concerning the Ruffian, may be stated, and its failure exemplified, as follows.
From The Uncommercial Traveller by Dickens, Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
