ruffian
/'rʌfjən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A violent, lawless, and often brutal person; a thug or bully. A ruffian is typically characterized by rough, aggressive behavior and a disregard for the well-being of others.
Usage and Examples
A "ruffian" is used to describe a person, almost always a man, who engages in violent, disorderly, or criminal conduct. It carries a strong negative connotation.
- The shopkeeper was threatened by a gang of ruffians demanding protection money.
- In the old tale, the noble knight defended the village from the band of ruffians.
- His polite demeanor was a mask; underneath, he was a cruel ruffian.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The term often implies a lack of sophistication or refinement, associating the person with the lower or criminal classes.
- It can be used somewhat archaically or in literary contexts to evoke a certain time period or style, though it remains understandable in modern English.
- While typically a noun, it can function attributively as an adjective in phrases like "ruffian behavior" or "a ruffian element."
Variants and Related Words
- Ruffianly (adjective): Having the qualities of a ruffian; coarse and violent.
- He was known for his ruffianly conduct in the taverns.
Synonyms
- Thug
- Hooligan
- Bully
- Brute
- Tough
- Rowdy
- Miscreant (more formal)
Antonyms
- Gentleman
- Law-abiding citizen
- Pacifist
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
- A band/pack/gang of ruffians: A common collocation emphasizing the group nature of the threat.
- The peaceful protest was disrupted by a band of ruffians.