Definition

Noun: 1. Lack of delicacy or refinement; the quality of being offensive or tactless: The state or characteristic of being coarse, crude, or lacking in sensitivity, especially in matters of propriety or taste. 2. An impolite, offensive, or coarse act or remark: A specific instance of behavior or speech that is considered improper, rude, or in bad taste.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a quality or trait:
  • The indelicacy of his jokes made several guests uncomfortable.
  • She was shocked by the sheer indelicacy of discussing such private matters in public.
• Referring to a specific act or expression:
  • His comment about her age was a serious indelicacy.
  • Forgetting to thank the host is considered a social indelicacy.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Formal Register: "Indelicacy" is typically used in more formal or literary contexts to critique breaches of social etiquette or refined taste. It is stronger than "tactlessness" and implies a violation of accepted standards of decency.
• Euphemistic Use: It can serve as a polite or understated way to describe something that is actually quite vulgar or offensive.
  • The novel was criticized for its indelicacy in describing the crime. (Here, "indelicacy" may imply graphic or disturbing content.)

Variants and Related Words

• Indelicate (adjective): Lacking delicacy; coarse, tactless.
  • Making an indelicate inquiry about someone's salary is frowned upon.
• Indelicately (adverb): In an indelicate manner.
  • He phrased the question rather indelicately.

Synonyms

• Tactlessness: Lack of skill in dealing with people without causing offense.
• Impropriety: Failure to observe standards of behavior.
• Coarseness: Lack of refinement in manners or language.
• Crudeness: The quality of being rudimentary or offensive in a blunt way.
• Vulgarity: The state of lacking sophistication or good taste.

Antonyms

• Delicacy: Fineness of texture, structure, or execution; sensitivity of feeling.
• Tact: Skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
• Refinement: The quality of being cultured, polished, or elegant.
• Propriety: Conformity to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals.

Noun

1. an impolite act or expression
2. the trait of being indelicate and offensive