churlishness
Definition
- Noun:
- Rude and surly behaviour: "churlishness" refers to a disposition or manner that is ill-mannered, sullen, and ungracious, often characterized by a lack of civility or courtesy.
- Stinginess or miserliness: In a narrower sense, "churlishness" can denote a mean-spirited or grudging reluctance to give or share, akin to being tight-fisted.
Usage Examples
- (His rude and surly behaviour caused offence.)
- (His stinginess and ungracious attitude were evident.)
- (Her habit of being ill-tempered and discourteous.)
Advanced Usage
"to display churlishness": to show rude or surly behaviour openly.
- The customer displayed churlishness by complaining loudly about the service. (He acted rudely and without grace.)
"an act of churlishness": a specific instance of rude or miserly conduct.
- Refusing to tip the waiter was an act of churlishness. (It was a mean and discourteous action.)
Variants and Related Words
Churlish (adj): having the quality of being rude, surly, or miserly.
- His churlish reply made everyone uncomfortable. (His rude answer created tension.)
Churl (n): a rude, ill-bred person; historically, a peasant or low-born person.
- Only a churl would ignore such a polite request. (Only a rude person would behave that way.)
Synonyms
- Rudeness: behaviour that is impolite or offensive.
- Surliness: bad-tempered and unfriendly behaviour.
- Miserliness: extreme unwillingness to spend or give money.
- Ill-breeding: lack of good manners or refinement.
Related Idioms
To be a churl: to act as a rude or miserly person.
- Don't be a churl — share your dessert with your sister. (Don't be mean or ungracious.)
Churlish behaviour: conduct that is deliberately discourteous or stingy.
- His churlish behaviour at the meeting cost him respect. (His rude and ungenerous actions.)