Words / C2

CHURL-ish/ˈtʃɜːlɪʃ/

Churlish is rude or mean-spirited when thanks or generosity was expected: it would be churlish to refuse. Rude is the plain word; churlish adds the failure of courtesy. Churl originally meant a peasant — ignore that in modern use. Gracious is a useful opposite.

Meaning

Rude or mean-spirited, especially when generosity or thanks was expected.

Examples

• “It would be churlish to refuse such a kind offer.”
• “It seemed churlish not to applaud.”
• “A churlish email after the gift surprised the hosts.”

Good to know

churlish to refuse / a churlish remark. Plain: rude. Opposite flavour: gracious.

Near in meaning

rude

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