Indelicate

/ɪnˈdɛlɪkət/ adjective

Definition

Lacking sensitivity, tact, or good manners; saying or doing something that might offend or embarrass someone.

Etymology

From Latin 'in-' meaning 'not' plus 'delicate,' which comes from 'delicatus' meaning 'soft, tender, refined.' The word originally meant physically crude but evolved to mean socially or emotionally insensitive.

Kelly Says

Victorian-era people used 'indelicate' as a cutting insult to shame someone for being crude or improper—it was practically a social death sentence! Today it sounds quaintly old-fashioned, which is exactly why it's hilarious when someone uses it seriously.

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