Boor

/bʊr/ noun

Definition

A rude, impolite, or ill-mannered person who doesn't follow social rules and is offensive to others.

Etymology

From Dutch 'boer' (farmer), related to German 'Bauer.' Like 'villain,' the word originally meant peasant but acquired negative connotations as it referred to someone crude and uncultured.

Kelly Says

Medieval and Renaissance writers were absolute snobs—both 'villain' and 'boor' started as neutral words for lower-class workers but became insults because educated people decided common folk were rude! Language reflects social prejudices.

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