Definition

Noun: A boor is a crude, uncouth, ill-bred person who lacks culture or refinement. This term describes someone whose behavior is rude, insensitive, and socially awkward, often due to ignorance of or disregard for accepted social norms.

Usage

The word "boor" is used to criticize a person's manners and social conduct. It implies a lack of sophistication and consideration for others. It is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned term but remains in use to describe particularly offensive behavior.

Examples

• His constant loud talking during the concert marked him as a complete boor.
• She was shocked by the boor at the dinner party who made offensive jokes.
• Don't be such a boor; hold the door open for others.

Advanced Usage

• "To behave like a boor": To act in a rude and uncultured manner.
  • Despite his wealth, he often behaves like a boor at social gatherings.

Variants and Related Words

• Boorish (adjective): Having the qualities of a boor; rude and clumsy.
  • His boorish comments offended everyone at the table.

Synonyms

• Lout: An uncouth or aggressive man.
• Oaf: A stupid, uncultured, or clumsy person.
• Philistine: A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts.
• Churl: A rude, ill-bred person (archaic).

Antonyms

• Gentleman / Lady
• Sophisticate
• Aesthete

Idioms and Phrases

• No idiom directly uses "boor," but the concept is captured in phrases like:
  • "To have the manners of a bull in a china shop": To be very clumsy and careless in a delicate situation.
  • "To be a cad": To be a man who behaves dishonorably, especially toward women (somewhat dated, similar in tone to "boor").

Noun

1. a crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement