ruffian

Pronunciation: /ˈɹʌfi.ən/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a cruel and brutal fellow

Etymology

From Middle French rufian, from Italian ruffiano (“pimp”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

bully, tough, hooligan, roughneck, rowdy, yob, yobo, yobbo

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
attacker
Narrower (hyponyms)
skinhead, bullyboy, tough guy, muscleman

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