rough language

USAGE SUMMARY

"rough language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to language that is considered rude or impolite. For example, "Whenever he gets angry, he starts using some really rough language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Some rough language.

The New York Times

Some rough language, including racial epithets.

The New York Times

It contains rough language and rugged lyrics.

The New York Times

Despite its gritty physical detail and rough language, it's impressionistic.

The New York Times

"This was rough language but I didn't care".

The New York Times

It has some rough language and intense moments.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The song is laden with rough street language.

The New York Times

The avenues teem with unruly, eccentrically dressed immigrants who speak a rough street language instead of English.

The New York Times

And in rough peasants' language, he said to me, 'How come we defeated the Germans, and yet we've got nothing?

The New York Times

Church attendance has plummeted over the past few decades in Quebec, but a distinctive clutch of swear-words in the local variety of French are still some of the roughest words in the language: chalice (calisse!) and "host" (hosti), for example.

The Economist

Mr. M'Hamed said that after the uprising began, he used Google Translate to make rough, French-language translations of the cables and posted them on Facebook for Tunisians to read.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing content ratings for media, use "rough language" to indicate the presence of strong or offensive language without specifying the exact words.

Common error

In formal academic or professional writing, avoid using the term "rough language" unless the context specifically requires it. Opt for more precise descriptions of the language, or rephrase to avoid direct reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough language" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement to describe the characteristic of speech or writing. According to Ludwig, this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough language" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe impolite or offensive language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for general descriptions, particularly in news and media, but less appropriate for formal writing where more precise language is preferred. Consider alternatives such as "vulgar language" or "offensive language" depending on the specific context. Always be mindful of your audience and the level of formality required in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulgar language

Focuses more explicitly on the offensive nature of the language.

crude language

Highlights the lack of refinement in the language used.

offensive language

Emphasizes the potential to cause offense with the language.

profane language

Indicates irreverence or disrespect towards sacred things.

coarse language

Suggests a lack of politeness or sophistication in the language.

foul language

Implies the language is unpleasant and morally objectionable.

indecent language

Focuses on the inappropriateness of the language for certain settings.

obscene language

Indicates the language is sexually explicit and offensive.

swearing

A more general term for using offensive words.

strong language

A less explicit way to refer to potentially offensive language.

FAQs

What does "rough language" mean?

"Rough language" refers to language that is considered impolite, crude, or offensive. It often includes swear words or other forms of expression deemed inappropriate in certain contexts.

What are some synonyms for "rough language"?

Synonyms for "rough language" include "vulgar language", "crude language", and "offensive language". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "rough language" in formal writing?

Generally, no. "Rough language" itself might be acceptable to describe the kind of words employed, but the actual rough words/expressions are inappropriate for formal writing. It's better to use more neutral or descriptive terms.

How is "rough language" different from "foul language"?

While both terms refer to offensive language, "foul language" tends to emphasize the unpleasant or morally objectionable nature of the language, while "rough language" might simply refer to its lack of refinement or politeness. "Foul language" implies a stronger level of offensiveness.