Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way; lacking courtesy or graciousness. Characterized by a deliberately unpleasant or uncooperative attitude.
From Old English 'ceorl' meaning peasant or rustic person, originally without negative connotation. By the 13th century, it developed the meaning of 'rude' based on stereotypes about peasant behavior.
Think of 'churl' as someone who churns butter rudely - they're doing their work, but with a bad attitude! A churlish person is like a grumpy farmer who won't even say hello.
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