vulgar

USAGE SUMMARY

'vulgar' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is considered offensive, in bad taste, or crass. For example: "The comedian's vulgar jokes were met with disapproving looks from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said: "His status as honorary president does not give him the right to hijack the Front National with vulgar provocations seemingly designed to damage me, but that unfortunately hit the whole movement".

The Guardian

Through Roche, we know of Duchamp's amorous adventure with three young women – and his penchant for "very vulgar women" as lovers.

The Guardian - Arts

But that argument was always vulgar, and it would be even more vulgar now to say that Isis's success can be explained by reference to an occupation that no longer persists.

The Guardian - Opinion

And leftwing magazine Krytyka Polityczna detected "vulgar antisemitic tropes" in one character.

The Guardian - Film

Many pages are devoted to grim and humorous accounts of the deteriorating physical and moral situation, brought about by the vulgar Prussians invading Reck's beloved Bavaria.

The Guardian - Books

The censors' original 43 "grounds for deletion" list from 1916 included several amusingly old-fashioned points, including scenes of "vitriol throwing", "scenes laid in disorderly houses", "vulgar accessories in the staging", "indecorous dancing" and scenes likely to "bring into disrepute British prestige in the Empire".

The Guardian - Film

A rat-infested prison cell awaits Liz Hurley Elsewhere, Lost in Showbiz is distraught at the misfortune that continues to dog cinema's Elizabeth Hurley, whose only crimes are to have staged slightly vulgar weddings in two countries, flogged the pictures to Hello!, continued to dress her child in the manner favoured by young royals circa 1958 and been almost elaborately bad in Bedazzled.

The Guardian

In the movie the actors have a vulgar argument and encounter a beautiful woman before a made-up news report of 26 marines killed in Afghanistan prompts them to share a drink and hug.

The Guardian

The villain of "The Swimmers" is a rich, vulgar banker who preaches an updated version of the gilded age's "gospel of wealth": "Money is power … Money made this country, built its great and glorious cities, created its industries, covered it with an iron network of railroads".

The Guardian - Books

Teeny's daughter later remembered: "My mother told me that at one point Henry Miller had a crush on her, but he was rather vulgar... whereas Marcel had a very light touch".

The Guardian - Arts

In her 2011 memoir, Bossypants, Tina Fey relates a story about Amy Poehler that has since become legendary: Amy Poehler was new to SNL, and we were all crowded into the 17-floor writers' room, waiting for the Wednesday night read-through to start... Amy was in the middle of some such nonsense with Seth Meyers across the table, and she did something vulgar as a joke.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vulgar", consider the specific context and audience to ensure it accurately reflects the intended level of offensiveness or lack of refinement. It can be particularly effective when describing societal trends or behaviors that are considered distasteful or inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "vulgar" in formal writing or professional settings unless you are directly quoting someone or analyzing the use of the term itself. Opt for more neutral terms like "inappropriate" or "offensive" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "vulgar" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as offensive, crude, or lacking refinement. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage in various contexts. For instance, describing a "vulgar joke" or "vulgar display".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "vulgar" is a versatile adjective used to describe something offensive, crude, or lacking in refinement. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, particularly in news and media contexts. While "vulgar" is widely understood, it is crucial to consider the specific context and audience to ensure its appropriateness. Synonyms such as "crude", "obscene", and "offensive" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity. When writing, be mindful of the register and avoid overuse of "vulgar" in formal settings unless it is directly relevant to the analysis. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "vulgar" to convey disapproval or criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crude

Refers to a lack of refinement or sophistication, often implying a lack of tact or sensitivity.

obscene

Focuses on the offensive nature of the expression, specifically regarding sexual content.

indecent

Emphasizes the violation of accepted standards of morality and good taste.

offensive

Highlights the potential to cause hurt feelings or indignation.

tasteless

Indicates a lack of aesthetic judgment or appreciation for what is considered appropriate or refined.

coarse

Suggests a roughness or lack of polish in manner or expression.

uncouth

Implies a lack of social grace and refinement.

boorish

Denotes a rude and insensitive demeanor.

crass

Highlights the insensitivity and lack of tact in the expression.

lowbrow

Indicates a lack of intellectual or cultural sophistication.

FAQs

How can I use "vulgar" in a sentence?

You can use "vulgar" to describe something that is offensive, rude, or in poor taste. For instance, "The comedian's jokes were considered "vulgar" by many audience members."

What are some synonyms for "vulgar"?

Some synonyms for "vulgar" include "crude", "obscene", "offensive", "tasteless", and "coarse" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "vulgar" and "rude"?

"Vulgar" typically refers to something offensive or lacking in good taste, often related to sexual or bodily functions, while "rude" refers to a lack of politeness or consideration for others. Something can be rude without being "vulgar", and vice versa.

Is it appropriate to use "vulgar" in academic writing?

Using "vulgar" in academic writing depends on the context. It is acceptable when analyzing the use of "vulgar" language or discussing social perceptions of what is considered offensive. However, it should be avoided in general descriptive writing where a more neutral term would be more appropriate.