A person who is violent, rough, or rowdy, often involved in fighting or causing trouble.
From Italian 'ruffiano' meaning pimp or bully, possibly related to ruff (the distinctive collar), suggesting someone wearing such flamboyant clothing was associated with criminal underworld in 16th century Europe.
Ruffian shows how clothing became coded with social danger—a fancy ruffed collar in Renaissance Italy became shorthand for untrustworthy people, which is why we still use appearance to judge character!
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