the scoundrel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the scoundrel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is dishonest or unscrupulous, often in a playful or lighthearted context. Example: "Everyone in the village knew he was a scoundrel, always getting into trouble and charming his way out of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Nobody stopped the scoundrel.

The Guardian - Arts

Judge: D'ye hear how the Scoundrel prates?

The New Yorker

You're lucky they didn't nominate "The Scoundrel".

The New York Times

The upright-looking Vance is not like the scoundrel prosecutor in the Duke lacrosse case.

The New York Times

But, as Noël Coward said in "The Scoundrel," I hate stooping to symbolism.

The New Yorker

And there's the "scoundrel in back of country house" for VILLAIN.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The narrative of Abedin-the-Saint and Weiner-the-Scoundrel has never been terribly convincing.

The Guardian - Opinion

'The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ' is published Canongate (£14.99).

Independent

His latest book is The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ.

The Guardian

Philip Pullman's newest book, "The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ," is available as an iPhone app.

The New Yorker

Philip Pullman says he's received threatening letters because of his new book, "The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the scoundrel" when you want to evoke a sense of old-fashioned disapproval or playful contempt, particularly when describing a character in fiction or historical context.

Common error

Avoid using "the scoundrel" in situations that require serious or clinical language. It carries a degree of levity that might be inappropriate for formal reports or sensitive discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the scoundrel" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a person considered dishonest or villainous. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the scoundrel" is a noun phrase used to describe a dishonest or unscrupulous person, often with a hint of playful disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's most commonly found in news and media but can also appear in encyclopedic and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider the tone of your writing and ensure it aligns with the level of levity the phrase implies. Consider alternatives like "the rascal" or "the rogue" depending on the desired nuance. With high source quality and consistent usage, "the scoundrel" is a versatile phrase for characterizing morally questionable individuals, provided its tone matches the overall context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the rascal

Similar in meaning, but implies a more playful or mischievous nature.

the rogue

Suggests a charming or adventurous, yet dishonest individual.

the villain

Emphasizes malicious intent and harmful actions.

the blackguard

An antiquated term, implying dishonorable behavior.

the knave

A dishonest or unscrupulous man, often of low status.

the reprobate

Suggests moral depravity and lack of principles.

the miscreant

A person who behaves badly or unlawfully.

the wretch

Implies someone pitiable but also contemptible.

the scamp

A playful, mischievous, and sometimes dishonest person, often a child.

the scalawag

A person who behaves dishonestly; a rascal.

FAQs

How can I use "the scoundrel" in a sentence?

"The scoundrel" is typically used as a noun phrase to describe someone considered dishonest or villainous. Example: "He cheated them out of their inheritance; he's a real scoundrel."

What are some alternatives to using "the scoundrel"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the rascal", "the rogue", or "the villain".

Is "scoundrel" a formal or informal term?

"Scoundrel" is generally considered an informal term, often used in literature or historical contexts to describe a dishonorable character. It's not typically used in formal settings.

What distinguishes "the scoundrel" from similar terms like "the villain"?

While both terms describe negative characters, "the villain" often implies a more malevolent and actively harmful role, whereas "the scoundrel" suggests dishonesty and a lack of morals, often with a hint of playful disapproval.