What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Ruffian vs Ruffianish - What's the difference?

ruffian | ruffianish |

As adjectives the difference between ruffian and ruffianish

is that ruffian is brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous while ruffianish is having the qualities or manners of a ruffian.

As a noun ruffian

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

As a verb ruffian

is to play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.

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

    * ----

    ruffianish

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Having the qualities or manners of a ruffian.

    • Synonyms

    * ruffianly * thuggish (Webster 1913)