letch

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "letch" is a valid and usable term in written English.
It is used to describe an individual who looks at someone in a lascivious manner. For example: "The old letch at the bar wouldn't take his eyes off of her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"If I need to pee, I pee in the road; if I have a letch for someone, I hop into bed with him," she boasted to a friend.

The New Yorker

The spiritual and creative aspirations of the decade rub up against more mundane realities: a snazzily dressed gentleman at a cocktail party is just a letch in Charles Saxon's drawing from 1972, and George Price's dentist asks a hippie which numbing agent is his "bag".

The New Yorker

Where once the problem was that people found his work shocking, now the problem is more that they think he's a bit of a sad old letch who should put his, er, pen away.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zenobia: You must be kidding, / You dirty old letch.

The Guardian - Music

Perhaps it was intended as some justification for the Doctor's merciless decision to leave the old letch for the missiles.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

No longer, say the Italians, should we see patting the female behind as some sort of pervy penchant of the office letch.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Johnson has him locked into hilarious marital bickering with the adulterous, letch-by-rote James Geoffrey Hutchingss, who looks and sounds the spit, down to the croaky laugh and squinty eyes).

Independent

Often they are sexist letches in the possession of sophisticated conceptions of 'good teaching.' Pedagogue bingo would include words like: 'dialogue'cutcut and thrust', 'rigour', 'candid', 'enabling promise'mentoringing'penetratinging'ironyony' and so on.

Independent

(He's a bibliophile, with letches for authors, including Nabokov and Kerouac).

The New Yorker

Ms. Sharma encounters a varied group of men on the way, whom she described as "all kinds of letches, perverts, and morons".

The New York Times

"It seems I saw you in some teenage wet dream / I like your get-up if you know what I mean," he letches, over piano and cinema strings that could have been lifted from something X-rated.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "letch", be mindful of its negative connotation and potential to offend. Consider the context and audience to ensure it's appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "letch" to describe general enthusiasm or passion. It specifically refers to a strong, often inappropriate, sexual desire.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "letch" is a noun, referring to a person characterized by strong, often inappropriate, sexual desire. It can also function as a verb. Ludwig AI highlights this dual nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "letch" functions primarily as a noun describing someone with strong sexual desires, often in a negative or disapproving way. Ludwig AI confirms its validity while emphasizing the importance of context due to its potentially offensive nature. While grammatically correct, the term is considered informal and its usage should be carefully considered, particularly in formal settings. The word appears most frequently in news and media sources, typically within opinion pieces or quoted speech. When in doubt, consider employing synonyms like ""lecher"" or "lustful person", depending on the intended level of formality and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lecher

This term is a direct synonym, emphasizing the crude or offensive nature of the lust.

lustful person

This phrase provides a more descriptive and less colloquial alternative, highlighting the characteristic of being full of lust.

person with strong desires

This is a broader term that encompasses strong desires beyond just sexual ones, offering a more neutral connotation.

one with lascivious tendencies

This phrase offers a more formal and clinical tone, focusing on the inclination towards lewd or indecent behavior.

dirty old man

This term is specifically used for older men who display inappropriate sexual interest, often considered derogatory.

sexually driven individual

This offers a neutral and clinical description of someone highly motivated by sexual urges.

one who ogles

This term focuses on the act of staring at someone with lustful intent, rather than the overall character.

voyeur

This term implies a specific kind of sexual desire: deriving pleasure from watching others who are naked or engaged in sexual activity.

randy individual

This term implies someone who is sexually aroused or excited.

licentious person

This refers to someone lacking moral restraint, especially in sexual conduct.

FAQs

What does "letch" mean?

The word "letch" refers to a person with overly strong sexual desires, often implying a lascivious or predatory gaze.

How can I use "letch" in a sentence?

You might say, "He was acting like a "lecher", making everyone uncomfortable with his stares."

Are there any synonyms for "letch" that are less offensive?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "lustful person" or "one with lascivious tendencies" which carry a slightly more formal or clinical tone.

Is it appropriate to use "letch" in formal writing?

Generally, no. "Letch" is considered a somewhat informal and potentially offensive term. It's best reserved for informal contexts or when specifically characterizing someone negatively. Consider using more neutral terms in formal settings.