vulgarity
C2Formal
Definition
Meaning
The quality or state of being vulgar; characterized by a lack of good taste, refinement, or good manners.
An instance or expression of coarse, offensive, or obscene behaviour, language, or taste.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a negative, judgmental term referring to breaches of social or aesthetic norms. Implies a comparison to an accepted standard of decency or refinement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. In British English, the word is more strongly associated with class distinctions (e.g., 'vulgar' display of wealth). In American English, it may be slightly more focused on explicit obscenity.
Connotations
UK: Strong connotations of class, lack of breeding, tastelessness. US: Slightly stronger link to profanity and overt obscenity, though class connotations remain.
Frequency
Similar frequency; used in formal registers and criticism in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the vulgarity of + NP (the vulgarity of his remarks)commit/display/show/exhibit + an act of vulgarityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A triumph of vulgarity (a notably tasteless success)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in discussions of branding or advertising that is deemed in poor taste.
Academic
Used in cultural studies, literary criticism, sociology to analyse class, taste, and social norms.
Everyday
Used to criticise overtly crude or offensive behaviour or language, especially in formal complaints.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- His vulgarity was evident in the gaudy gold ornaments.
- She found the programme's humour to be of the utmost vulgarity.
American English
- The vulgarity of the political ad shocked many viewers.
- He was criticized for the vulgarity of his language at the press conference.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The comedian's vulgarity made some people leave the theatre.
- Many films try to avoid vulgarity to get a lower age rating.
- The sheer vulgarity of the billionaire's new mansion was criticised in the architectural press.
- His apology was undermined by a further act of vulgarity during the interview.
- The debate degenerated into a slanging match of remarkable vulgarity, alienating the audience.
- Her thesis explored how notions of vulgarity are socially constructed and shift across historical periods.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VULGARITY VULTURE - a scavenger feeding on the coarsest parts of culture.
Conceptual Metaphor
VULGARITY IS A LOW / BASE SUBSTANCE (e.g., 'sank into vulgarity', 'a display of pure vulgarity').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'вульгарность' in its broader philosophical sense (vulgar materialism). In English, 'vulgarity' is almost exclusively negative and relates to taste/behaviour.
- Avoid direct translation of 'вульгарный' for 'common' or 'popular' - 'vulgar' does not mean 'common' in modern English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'vulgarity' as a countable noun only (it is usually uncountable; 'a vulgarity' is a specific instance).
- Confusing it with 'violence' or 'aggression' - vulgarity is about offence to taste or propriety, not physical harm.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'vulgarity' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Swearing is a common form of vulgarity, but vulgarity is broader. It includes tasteless, crass, or indecent behaviour, displays of wealth, or breaches of etiquette that may not involve bad language.
Extremely rarely. In some postmodern or rebellious contexts, it might be reclaimed as 'transgressive' or 'authentic', but the standard connotation is strongly negative.
Profanity specifically refers to blasphemous or irreverent language. Vulgarity encompasses profanity but also includes anything coarse, crass, or in very poor taste, which may not be religiously offensive.
Yes. Both come from Latin 'vulgus' meaning 'the common people'. The meaning evolved from 'common, ordinary' to 'characteristic of the common people in a negative sense' (i.e., lacking refinement).