Ogreish

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having the qualities of a fierce and monstrous figure known for its grotesque appearance and savage behavior, which inspires fear and disgust
2. Possessing traits reminiscent of a terrifying and grotesque being often depicted as savage and menacing, inciting both dread and aversion
3. Displaying characteristics similar to a mythical monstrous creature, marked by brutality and a frightening aspect

Etymology: "Ogreish" is a simple formation: the noun "ogre" with the adjective-forming suffix "-ish," meaning "having the qualities of." The noun "ogre" came into English from French "ogre," which is generally thought to be the source of the Italian "orco" as well, and the figure it names is the monstrous man-eater of folklore, big, brutish, and cannibalistic. The more interesting connection is to "orcish." The two words are what linguists call a piecewise doublet: "ogre" and "orc" are not the same word passed down twice, but they share a common ancestry in the Latin "Orcus," a name for the underworld, which lies behind both the Italian "orco" and the English "orc." Through separate routes, that one ancient name produced two creatures of similar menace, and "ogreish" and "orcish" are the adjectives each one earned.

Synonyms: monstrous, hideous, grotesque, gruesome, fearsome

Antonyms: beautiful, charming, pleasant, lovely, graceful