rabble
/'ræbl/
Definition
- Noun:
- A disorderly crowd of people: A large, noisy, and potentially unruly group of people gathered together.
- Disparaging term for the common people: Used to refer to the masses or ordinary people in a way that shows contempt, suggesting they are ignorant or unruly.
Usage Examples
Noun (Disorderly crowd):
- The police struggled to control the rabble that gathered after the concert.
- A rabble of protesters filled the square, shouting slogans.
Noun (Disparaging term for common people):
- The arrogant nobleman looked down on what he called the "common rabble."
- Politicians sometimes fear the anger of the rabble.
Advanced Usage
- "The rabble": A fixed phrase used as a collective noun to refer contemptuously to the lower social classes or the general populace.
- The new tax was designed to placate the rabble.
- "Rabble-rouser": (Note: This is a compound word, listed here as advanced usage). A person who stirs up discontent or anger among the public, especially through impassioned speech.
- The speaker was accused of being a rabble-rouser who incited violence.
Variants and Related Words
- Rabblement (noun, archaic): A tumultuous crowd; a rabble.
- Rabble-rousing (noun/adjective): The act or practice of stirring up the emotions or passions of the masses.
Synonyms
- Mob: A large, disorderly crowd, often one that is violent or intent on causing trouble.
- Horde: A large, often intimidating crowd.
- Populace: The general public (more neutral, less disparaging).
- Plebeians: Common people (often used in a historical or class-conscious context).
Related Phrases
- To rouse the rabble: To stir up or incite a crowd to anger or action.
- His fiery speech was meant to rouse the rabble.
Notes on Meaning
The word "rabble" is almost always used in a negative or derogatory sense. It implies a lack of order, refinement, or intelligence in the group being described. Its use often reveals the speaker's sense of superiority or disdain. The other meaning related to metalworking tools (e.g., a stirring bar) is highly specialized and archaic.
Noun
-
disparaging terms for the common people
-
a disorderly crowd of people
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