Scoundrels

/ˈskaʊndrəlz/ noun

Definition

Dishonest or wicked people who behave badly and cannot be trusted.

Etymology

From the Italian 'scoundrel' or possibly Dutch 'schuinaard,' the word emerged in the 16th century to describe rogues and villains. The term evolved to mean a person lacking morals and integrity, used especially in literature to describe charming but unreliable characters.

Kelly Says

This word is a favorite in classic literature—think of all the lovable rogues in pirate stories and adventure novels who are called scoundrels but you kind of like them anyway. It's more fun to say than 'bad guy' and suggests someone clever rather than just mean.

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