foul-spoken
Definition
Adjective: Using foul, obscene, or abusive language; characterized by speaking in a vulgar, offensive, or profane manner.
Usage
This adjective is used to describe a person, their speech, or their manner of speaking. It is a formal and somewhat literary term that strongly emphasizes the habitual or characteristic use of offensive language.
Examples
- The foul-spoken sailor shocked the polite company at the dinner party.
- He was known throughout the village as a foul-spoken old man.
- The manager was fired not only for incompetence but for being consistently foul-spoken to his staff.
Advanced Usage
- Descriptive Use: The term often implies that the use of foul language is a defining or habitual trait of the person.
- Despite his brilliant mind, his reputation was marred by being foul-spoken.
- Attributive Use: It is most commonly used directly before a noun.
- The play features a foul-spoken antagonist who provides crude comic relief.
Variants and Related Words
- Foul-mouthed: A more common synonym with identical meaning.
- Profane: (Adjective) Showing disrespect for sacred things; irreverent. Can also describe language.
- Obscene: (Adjective) Offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency.
- Vulgar: (Adjective) Lacking sophistication or good taste; coarse.
Synonyms
- Abusive
- Blasphemous
- Coarse-tongued
- Scatological
- Vituperative
Antonyms
- Polite
- Refined
- Courteous
- Decorous
- Well-spoken
Notes
'Foul-spoken' is a compound adjective where 'foul' modifies the past participle 'spoken'. It is less frequent in modern everyday English than its synonym 'foul-mouthed'. It carries a strong connotation of moral judgment and social disapproval.
Adjective
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using foul or obscene language
-
noisy foul-mouthed women all shouting at once
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