tough crowd

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough crowd" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of people who are not easily impressed or swayed, usually with regards to an entertaining performance. For example, "The comedian had a tough crowd to work with, but managed to win them over in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tough crowd.

The New York Times - Sports

"Tough crowd," he said.

The New Yorker

A tough crowd.

The Guardian

It's a tough crowd.

The Telegraph

What a tough crowd.

The New York Times

She faced a tough crowd.

The New York Times

This was a tough crowd.

The New York Times - Magazine

God, this is a tough crowd.

The New Yorker

But it's a pretty tough crowd".

The New York Times

Wallis faced a tough crowd.

The Guardian - Opinion

Humans: always a tough crowd.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific reasons why an audience might be considered "tough" in a particular context. Are they critical, demanding, or simply unresponsive? Tailor your approach accordingly.

Common error

Don't assume a "tough crowd" is always intentionally hostile. Sometimes, lack of engagement stems from fatigue, distraction, or simply a mismatch between the performance and the audience's expectations. Analyze the situation before reacting defensively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough crowd" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a group of people who are difficult to please, as illustrated in many of Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough crowd" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an audience that is difficult to please. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to characterize a group of people as demanding, critical, or unresponsive. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this expression carries a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal use. To navigate situations involving a "tough crowd", consider adapting your approach to address their specific concerns or expectations. Remember, recognizing the nuances of audience behavior is key to effective communication. While similar terms like "demanding audience" or "critical audience" can be used, "tough crowd" remains a widely understood and applicable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult audience

A more general term for an audience that presents challenges to the performer or speaker.

unresponsive audience

Focuses on the lack of reaction from the audience, highlighting their passivity.

unenthusiastic audience

Highlights the audience's lack of excitement or interest.

critical audience

Emphasizes the audience's tendency to find fault and judge harshly.

demanding audience

Highlights the high expectations of the audience, making them hard to satisfy.

unappreciative audience

Focuses on the audience's lack of gratitude or recognition for the performance or effort.

unforgiving audience

Emphasizes the audience's lack of leniency or tolerance for mistakes.

discerning audience

Highlights the audience's refined taste and ability to distinguish quality.

skeptical audience

Focuses on the audience's tendency to doubt or question what they are presented with.

harsh critics

Shifts the focus to the individuals within the audience who are particularly critical.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is facing a "tough crowd"?

Facing a "tough crowd" means that someone is presenting to an audience that is difficult to please or impress. This could be due to high expectations, critical attitudes, or general unresponsiveness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "tough crowd"?

The phrase "tough crowd" is appropriate when describing an audience that is not easily amused, impressed, or engaged. It's often used in contexts like comedy shows, public speaking events, or presentations where the audience's reaction is subdued or critical.

What are some alternative ways to describe a "tough crowd"?

You can use alternatives like "demanding audience", "critical audience", or "unresponsive audience" depending on the specific characteristics of the audience.

How can you win over a "tough crowd"?

Winning over a "tough crowd" often requires extra effort, such as adapting your material, increasing your energy, or directly addressing their concerns or skepticism. It's important to be patient and persistent.