A cruel, violent, or stupid person, or an animal lacking intelligence and gentleness.
From French 'brute' and Latin 'brutus' meaning dull, heavy, or irrational. Originally described animals without reason, then extended to people acting like animals.
The Romans literally used 'brutus' to mean 'heavy' or 'dull'—so calling someone a brute was like saying their mind was too heavy to think with, which is a pretty harsh insult.
Historically applied to working-class men and colonized peoples; carries dehumanizing undertones. Often gendered as 'masculine aggression' vs. female emotionality, reinforcing false binaries.
Use descriptively (excessive force, lack of refinement) without invoking gendered stereotypes about male/female nature.
["crude","aggressive","unrefined","forceful"]
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