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vulgarity
/vʌlˈɡærɪti/
offensive or crude behavior
The comedian's jokes were filled with vulgarity and offended much of the audience.
The jokes were crude and inappropriate, causing offense to the audience.
formal
behavior, language, or actions that are crude, offensive, or lacking in refinement
The film was criticized for its gratuitous vulgarity and lack of artistic merit.
The film was condemned for its unnecessary offensive content and poor quality.
Public displays of vulgarity are prohibited in this establishment.
Offensive or crude behavior is not allowed in this place.
Vulgarity often involves breaching social norms of decency, but its perception can vary by culture and context.
Collocations
display vulgarityshow offensive or crude behavioravoid vulgarityrefrain from offensive or crude actionsvulgarity in languagecrude or offensive speech
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The perception of vulgarity depends heavily on cultural, social, and situational context. What is acceptable in casual settings may be deemed vulgar in formal ones.
Gold Rule
Avoid Assuming Universality
Do not assume that vulgarity has the same meaning or boundaries across different cultures or languages. Always consider the audience and setting.
Word Origin
From Latin *vulgus* (the common people) via Old French *vulgarité*, ultimately from *vulgus* (crowd, common people). Originally referred to the language or behavior of the common people, later evolving to imply crude or unrefined conduct.
Usage Notes
Vulgarity is subjective and culturally dependent; what is considered vulgar in one society may be acceptable in another. It often carries moral or social judgment, implying a lack of sophistication or decency.
Word Breakdown
vulg-
common people (Latin root)
root-arity
state or quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary