churl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Literary, formal, archaic. Used for deliberate stylistic effect.
Quick answer
What does “churl” mean?
A rude, bad-tempered, or mean-spirited person, especially one from a low social class (historically).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rude, bad-tempered, or mean-spirited person, especially one from a low social class (historically).
An ill-mannered, surly, or miserly individual; a boor. In historical context, a peasant or a person of low birth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slightly more frequent in British English due to stronger historical/literary tradition. The historical class association ('peasant') is more readily understood in UK contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the dominant modern connotation is 'ill-mannered lout' or 'miser'. The historical class element is secondary but present.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both regions. Encountered almost exclusively in literature, historical texts, or high-register rhetorical insults.
Grammar
How to Use “churl” in a Sentence
He was a churl.She called him a churl for his stinginess.Don't be such a churl!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “churl” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He nodded churlishly and turned away.
- She churlishly withheld her approval.
American English
- He churlishly dismissed their ideas.
- The critic churlishly panned the heartfelt performance.
adjective
British English
- His churlish behaviour ruined the dinner party.
- A churlish refusal to contribute.
American English
- Her churlish attitude made collaboration impossible.
- It was churlish to complain about such a generous gift.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear metaphorically in leadership critiques: 'He led like a churl, alienating his team.'
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or sociological texts discussing class, manners, or character types.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be considered a very deliberate, formal, or old-fashioned insult.
Technical
No standard technical use.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “churl”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “churl”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “churl”
- Using it to mean simply 'a peasant' without the negative character judgment in modern contexts.
- Pronouncing it as /tʃʊəl/ or /ʃɜːl/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare in everyday speech. It is primarily a literary or formal word, sometimes used for deliberate, old-fashioned effect in insults or descriptions.
They are very close synonyms. 'Churl' often carries an additional historical nuance of low social class or peasantry, and can more strongly imply miserliness. 'Boor' focuses almost exclusively on rude, insensitive, or clumsy behaviour.
Not directly. The noun 'churl' has the related adjective 'churlish' (meaning rude or mean-spirited) and the adverb 'churlishly'. These derived forms are more common in modern usage than the noun itself.
Not necessarily in modern use. The core modern meaning is about character (rude, mean-spirited), not financial status. However, the historical association with low social rank ('peasant') lingers, so it can sometimes subtly imply a lack of refinement expected of higher classes, regardless of actual wealth.
A rude, bad-tempered, or mean-spirited person, especially one from a low social class (historically).
Churl is usually literary, formal, archaic. used for deliberate stylistic effect. in register.
Churl: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɜːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɝːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Churlish thanks (a thank you given grudgingly or rudely).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHURL as a person who would give you a CHURL-ish, rude, and ungrateful 'thank you'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOW SOCIAL STATUS / BAD MANNERS ARE COARSENESS (like rough, unrefined material).
Practice
Quiz
In a modern context, which situation best describes someone acting like a 'churl'?