loutish
UK: ˈlaʊtɪʃ | US: ˈlaʊtɪʃ
Definition
adj. rude, awkward, or aggressive in behavior
adj. uncouth or boorish in manner
Structure
lout <awkward person>ish <adjective suffix>
Etymology
loutish = lout<awkward person> + ish<adjective suffix>
- lout: From Middle English louten (to bow, stoop), later evolving to mean "clumsy or stupid person" (16th century). The sense shift reflects associating physical awkwardness with social ineptness.
- ish: A suffix forming adjectives, often implying "having the qualities of" (e.g., childish, foolish).
Etymology Origin:
Originally tied to the act of bowing (lout as a verb), the noun lout later took on a derogatory sense for someone perceived as oafish. Adding -ish reinforced the derogatory adjective form, solidifying its modern meaning of uncouth behavior by the 18th century.
Examples
His loutish behavior at the dinner party embarrassed everyone.
The loutish tourists shouted loudly in the quiet museum.
She dismissed his loutish comments with a glare.
The film portrayed the villain as a loutish brute.
Despite his wealth, his loutish manners made him unpopular.