Rough describes something that has an uneven or harsh surface, not smooth to the touch. It can also mean difficult, violent, or not done carefully, like a rough day or a rough estimate.
From Old English *ruh* “rough, shaggy,” related to German *rauch* “hairy, rough.” The core idea is unevenness or harshness in texture or experience.
Rough covers texture, behavior, and even math—“rough weather,” “rough kids,” and “roughly 50 dollars” all share the idea of not being smooth or exact. It’s the opposite of polished, whether you’re talking about wood or social manners.
“Rough” behavior or play has often been normalized for boys and men while discouraged in girls, reinforcing gendered expectations about toughness and gentleness. Sexual uses of “rough” can intersect with gendered power dynamics and consent issues.
Avoid using “rough” to excuse harmful behavior, especially along gendered lines (e.g., “boys will be boys”). In sexual or interpersonal contexts, emphasize consent and mutual agreement if the term is used at all.
["harsh","uneven","approximate","difficult"]
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