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Barbarian vs Ruffian - What's the difference?

barbarian | ruffian | Synonyms |

Barbarian is a synonym of ruffian.


As verbs the difference between barbarian and ruffian

is that barbarian is while ruffian is to play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.

As a noun ruffian is

a scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.

As an adjective ruffian is

brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous.

barbarian

Adjective

(-)
  • Relating to people, countries or customs perceived as uncivilized or inferior.
  • Synonyms

    * barbaric * barbarous

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An uncivilized or uncultured person, originally compared to the hellenistic Greco-Roman civilisation; often associated with fighting or other such shows of strength.
  • (derogatory) Someone from a developing country or backward culture.
  • A warrior, clad in fur or leather, associated with sword and sorcery stories.
  • (derogatory) A person destitute of culture; a Philistine.
  • A cruel, savage, brutal person; one without pity or humanity.
  • * Philips
  • Thou fell barbarian .

    ruffian

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian ?
  • (obsolete) A pimp; a pander.
  • (obsolete) A lover; a paramour.
  • * Bishop Reynolds
  • He [her husband] is no sooner abroad than she is instantly at home, revelling with her ruffians .

    Synonyms

    * rogue * scamp

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.
  • (Shakespeare)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous.
  • ruffian rage
    (Webster 1913)

    Anagrams

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