Definition and Pronunciation
Vulgar (pronounced: /ˈvʌlɡər/) is an adjective that describes something crude, rude, lacking refinement, or offensive to good taste—especially in speech, manners, or sexual references. Historically, it also meant “common” or “of the people.”
Easy Explanation
“Vulgar” means not polite or refined. A vulgar person might use rude language, tell offensive jokes, or behave in a way that feels inappropriate.
Grammatical Formation
- Adjective: vulgar
- Adverb: vulgarly
- Noun: vulgarity (plural: vulgarities)
Word Comparisons
- Vulgar vs. obscene: obscene is stronger, often sexually offensive; vulgar is rude or tasteless, not always sexual.
- Vulgar vs. crude: crude means unpolished or raw; vulgar is socially offensive or indecent.
- Vulgar vs. profane: profane means disrespectful to religion; vulgar is socially inappropriate or coarse.
Connotations
- Negative: rude, offensive, indecent, tasteless.
- Neutral/historical: common, ordinary, of the masses (vulgar Latin = common Latin).
- Figurative: exaggerated, flashy, or in poor taste (a vulgar display of wealth).
Meaning with Prepositions
- Vulgar in: He was vulgar in his speech.
- Vulgar to: Her jokes were vulgar to the guests.
- Vulgar for: Too vulgar for television.
Real-Life Examples
- The comedian’s vulgar jokes made some people uncomfortable.
- He used vulgar language in front of children.
- Her flashy outfit was considered vulgar by some.
- In Roman history, “vulgar Latin” was the language of ordinary people.
Synonyms
crude, coarse, obscene, rude, lewd, indecent, tasteless, offensive, bawdy, improper
Antonyms
polite, refined, decent, elegant, cultured, tasteful, clean, chaste
Related Terms
- Vulgarity – rude behavior or speech.
- Profanity – offensive language, especially religiously disrespectful.
- Obscenity – extreme indecency, often sexual.
- Lewdness – crude sexual behavior.
Common Collocations
- vulgar joke
- vulgar language
- vulgar gesture
- vulgar display of wealth
- vulgar behavior
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Vulgar display: showing off in an excessive or tasteless way.
- Common and vulgar: old phrase meaning ordinary and unrefined.
Sample Sentences
- He shocked the crowd with his vulgar language.
- The movie was criticized for its vulgar humor.
- They considered her outfit vulgar and inappropriate.
- In linguistics, “vulgar Latin” refers to the spoken language of the common people.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, often. “Vulgar” is frequently used for sexual jokes, language, or gestures that are indecent or offensive. However, it also extends to non-sexual behavior—like rudeness, lack of manners, or poor taste.
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender-related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, language, and self-expression.