borderline crass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "borderline crass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is just on the edge of being rude or offensive, often in a humorous or informal context. Example: "His jokes were funny, but some of them were borderline crass and might not be suitable for all audiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A star with oodles of other hits, as it happens, songs he blazed through at warp speed during this energetic show, almost all of them cut short for expediency: the melancholic boast "I'm on One," the ode to loyalty "Up All Night," the exuberant "Miss Me," the tender "Make Me Proud," the borderline crass "She Will".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sometimes it is necessary to give a man, any man, however crass, however borderline moronic, his due and surely this will be so when David Haye steps into the ring with Wladimir Klitschko in Hamburg tonight.

Independent

Borderline unwatchable.

The Guardian - Sport

This contest feels crass.

The New York Times

Borderline irresponsible.

The New York Times

"Borderline cocky.

The New York Times - Sports

Call it crass warfare.

The New York Times - Sports

Here, it was crass.

Independent

It's crass.

The New York Times

Or is this too crass?

The New York Times

In fact, it's crass.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "borderline crass" when you want to describe something as being on the verge of being offensive or tasteless, but not quite crossing the line. It suggests a mild impropriety rather than outright vulgarity.

Common error

Avoid using "borderline crass" too frequently in your writing. Its impact diminishes with overuse, and it can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for more specific and nuanced descriptors when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "borderline crass" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun by indicating the degree to which it possesses the quality of being "crass". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something that is on the edge of being rude or offensive.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "borderline crass" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something that approaches, but doesn't quite reach, the level of being offensive or tasteless. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, noting it describes something on the edge of rudeness. Its use is relatively infrequent and most commonly found in News & Media. When writing, consider similar alternatives like "almost vulgar" or "nearly offensive" for nuanced expression, and be mindful of overusing the term to maintain its impact. While "borderline crass" is appropriate in informal and neutral contexts, more refined alternatives are preferable for formal writing. This phrase can serve to express disapproval with certain context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

borderline inappropriate

Uses a synonym for "crass" while retaining the "borderline" qualifier.

almost vulgar

Focuses more directly on the quality of being offensive or indecent.

nearly offensive

Highlights the proximity to causing offense.

verging on inappropriate

Emphasizes the act of crossing the line of acceptability.

approaching indecency

Suggests a gradual move towards being indecent.

just shy of offensive

Indicates that something narrowly avoids being offensive.

almost in bad taste

Highlights the lack of refinement or sensitivity.

walking the line of vulgarity

Suggests a precarious balance close to vulgarity.

on the edge of rudeness

Focuses on the aspect of being impolite or discourteous.

barely decent

Indicates that something only just meets the standards of decency.

FAQs

How can I use "borderline crass" in a sentence?

You can use "borderline crass" to describe something that's almost rude or vulgar, but not quite. For example: "His jokes were funny, but some of them were "borderline crass" and might not be suitable for all audiences."

What is a similar phrase to "borderline crass"?

Alternatives to "borderline crass" include "almost vulgar", "nearly offensive", or "borderline inappropriate". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "borderline crass" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "borderline crass" is somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider using a more neutral or professional alternative such as "slightly inappropriate" or "almost in poor taste".

What's the difference between "borderline crass" and "outright offensive"?

"Borderline crass" suggests something is close to being offensive but hasn't quite crossed the line. "Outright offensive" means something is clearly and undeniably offensive. The former implies a lesser degree of impropriety.