bastardry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2+)Formal, Literary, sometimes Colloquial/Strong (when used as a strong intensifier)
Quick answer
What does “bastardry” mean?
The quality or condition of being illegitimate or born out of wedlock (now rare or archaic).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or condition of being illegitimate or born out of wedlock (now rare or archaic); also, cruel, unfair, or contemptible behavior.
The collective actions, attitudes, or conduct regarded as mean-spirited, underhanded, or deserving of contempt; an act or instance of such behavior. Sometimes used as an intensifier for particularly frustrating or unfair situations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more prevalent in UK English, particularly in historical/literary contexts and in colloquial intensifier use (e.g., 'the sheer bastardry of it'). In American English, it is rarer and feels more archaic or consciously literary.
Connotations
UK: Can range from formal/literary condemnation to vigorous colloquial complaint. US: Primarily perceived as a literary or historical term; colloquial use is very rare.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. Its use is mostly confined to specific registers (historical fiction, formal condemnation, emphatic colloquialism in UK).
Grammar
How to Use “bastardry” in a Sentence
[determiner] + bastardrybastardry + of + [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bastardry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. Rarely, 'to bastard' can mean to declare or prove illegitimate, but 'bastardry' is not derived from a current verb.]
American English
- [No standard verb form.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form derived from 'bastardry'.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form derived from 'bastardry'.]
adjective
British English
- His bastardry behaviour shocked the community. (Non-standard; correct: 'bastardly')
American English
- [See British example; equally non-standard.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Possibly in emotive condemnation of unethical practices: 'This corporate bastardry cannot be tolerated.'
Academic
Rare, found in historical or literary studies discussing themes of illegitimacy or moral condemnation.
Everyday
Very low frequency. If used, it's for strong emphasis on unfairness, typically in UK English: 'After all that work, it's just bureaucratic bastardry.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bastardry”
- Using it to mean simply 'a group of bastards' (incorrect). It is an abstract noun.
- Overusing it in neutral contexts due to its strong pejorative force.
- Using the modern sense in a historical context where the 'illegitimacy' sense would be correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is primarily found in formal, literary, or, in UK English, emphatic colloquial contexts.
Generally, no. Due to its etymological link to the offensive term 'bastard' and its strong negative charge, it is unsuitable for most professional contexts unless in a specific historical or literary analysis.
'Bastard' is a noun (person) or adjective (offensive descriptor). 'Bastardry' is an abstract noun referring to the *quality* of being like a bastard (illegitimate/hateful) or to *acts* characteristic of one.
In a modern context, this sense is archaic. You will encounter it almost exclusively in historical or legal texts. The dominant contemporary meaning relates to vile or unfair actions.
The quality or condition of being illegitimate or born out of wedlock (now rare or archaic).
Bastardry is usually formal, literary, sometimes colloquial/strong (when used as a strong intensifier) in register.
Bastardry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːstədri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbæstərdri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used in fixed idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BASTARD (an archaic term for an illegitimate child or a nasty person) + RY (like in 'robbery' or 'treachery'). The '-RY' suffix turns it into the abstract noun for the associated behavior or state.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY/CRUELTY IS ILLEGITIMACY (historical), BAD BEHAVIOR IS A CONTAMINATED BLOODLINE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the MODERN, dominant meaning of 'bastardry'?