rough people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough people" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals who are tough, unrefined, or lacking in gentility, often in a social or behavioral context. Example: "The town was known for its rough people, who were often seen as unfriendly by outsiders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I was on a team with some pretty rough people.

The Guardian - Sport

"We had cops down on set – showing actors how to behave, how to rough people up".

Independent

"When the economy gets rough, people have to be creative," she said.

The New York Times

Ms. Elliott, 25, who was not arrested, acknowledged that "there were some rough people out there" at the protests.

The New York Times

But he added, "This does not give us a license to just rough people up, particularly people of color".

The New York Times

The black and Mexican gangs used bats to rough people up; MS-13 started using machetes, and macabre stories of decapitations spread throughout the city.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"It's home to some of the roughest people you will come across in the state.

The Guardian - Arts

"I think this perception that we're a team roughing people up is completely wrong," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

To read the sports columns is to find a celebration of roughing people up, knocking them dead and giving opponents a good "klap".

The Guardian

"It had an awful name, it was tough and rough, but people are proud of the place now".

The Guardian

In rough seas, people occasionally fell short and clung to the smaller boat, running the risk of being crushed when the two boats slammed together.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a community or social group, use "rough people" to convey a sense of hardship, resilience, and a lack of refinement. Ensure the context supports this characterization, as it can carry negative connotations.

Common error

Avoid solely associating "rough people" with negativity. While it can imply a lack of polish, it often denotes resilience and strength in the face of adversity. A balanced portrayal acknowledges their positive qualities, such as loyalty or perseverance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough people" typically functions as a descriptive term, where "rough" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "people". Ludwig indicates that this phrase is used to characterize individuals or groups with a certain set of attributes, such as lacking refinement or experiencing hardship.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough people" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, though its frequency is uncommon. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase describes individuals who are tough, unrefined, or experiencing hardship. The sources mainly include News & Media, Science and Wiki. When writing, be aware of potential negative connotations and strive for balanced portrayals by acknowledging both the strengths and challenges associated with "rough people". Alternatives include "tough individuals" or "unrefined folks", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tough individuals

Emphasizes the resilience and strength of the people, focusing on their ability to withstand hardship.

hardened characters

Highlights how difficult experiences have shaped the people, often implying a lack of empathy.

unrefined folks

Focuses on the lack of sophistication or polish in their behavior or background.

rugged individuals

Stresses their independence and self-reliance, often associated with living in harsh conditions.

uncouth persons

Emphasizes the lack of manners and social grace, indicating a boorish or coarse nature.

boorish types

Similar to 'uncouth persons', this highlights their crudeness and lack of refinement.

rowdy crowd

Focuses on their disorderly and disruptive behavior as a group.

disagreeable characters

Highlights their unpleasantness and difficulty in interacting with them.

challenging individuals

Emphasizes the difficulties encountered when dealing with these people, often due to their behavior or circumstances.

difficult people

A general term for people who are hard to please or deal with, often due to their demanding or problematic nature.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "rough people" in a sentence?

You can use "rough people" to describe individuals who are unrefined, tough, or live in difficult circumstances. For example: "The old mining town was known for its "rough people", who had to endure harsh conditions to make a living."

What is a good alternative to "rough people"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "tough individuals", "hardened characters", or "unrefined folks". Each of these carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it always negative to describe someone as a "rough person"?

Not necessarily. While "rough" can imply a lack of refinement or sophistication, it can also suggest resilience, strength, and a strong will to survive in difficult conditions. The connotation depends heavily on the context.

What are some common misconceptions about "rough people"?

One misconception is that "rough people" are always unfriendly or dangerous. While some may be wary of outsiders, many are simply protective of their community and way of life. Stereotyping should be avoided.