ruffian
What does "ruffian" mean?
A ruffian is a person—typically a man—who behaves in a violent, cruel, or lawless way. The word conjures an image of a scruffy, aggressive troublemaker, often someone you might encounter in a dark alley or a rowdy tavern. It carries a slightly old-fashioned or dramatic tone, suggesting someone who lacks manners and thrives on intimidation. In modern usage, you will mostly see it in descriptive writing, historical fiction, or when someone wants to sound a bit more colorful than simply calling someone a "thug" or a "bully." It is rarely used in professional or clinical settings, as it implies a sense of disreputable character rather than just a specific criminal act.
"ruffian" in conversation
Discussing a movie villain
That guard in the second act was such a total ruffian.
That guard in the second act was such a total ruffian.
Right? He was clearly just looking for a fight the whole time.
Right? He was clearly just looking for a fight the whole time.
Used here to describe a character who is physically aggressive and unrefined.
A historical novel club
The hero was chased through the docks by a band of ruffians.
The hero was chased through the docks by a band of ruffians.
It really set the mood for the grittiness of the city, didn't it?
It really set the mood for the grittiness of the city, didn't it?
The term fits perfectly into historical or period-piece contexts.
"ruffian" in a sentence
The ruffian pushed his way through the crowded street.
The ruffian pushed his way through the crowded street.
She was terrified that the local ruffians would target her shop.
She was terrified that the local ruffians would target her shop.
He shed his reputation as a street-corner ruffian to become a respected merchant.
He shed his reputation as a street-corner ruffian to become a respected merchant.
