Scurrilis

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by vulgar and obscene language or behavior, often intended to shock or offend others
2. Relating to or resembling coarse, indecent remarks or gestures that provoke laughter or outrage
3. Pertaining to communications or expressions that are scandalous, ribald, or lewd in nature

Etymology: In Rome, a "scurra" was a jester who attached himself to wealthy households and earned his dinner by amusing the guests. Roman comedy was full of such figures, and the word carried a whiff of parasitism: a man who lived by his wit rather than by honest work. The adjective "scurrilis" described that kind of behaviour as buffoonish or jesting. Its sense drifted from clowning toward coarse talk, since the jokes a "scurra" told were often the crude ones, and the adjective came to fit mockery that slid into obscenity. English borrowed the term directly from Latin, keeping that double edge of wit and filth.

Synonyms: scurrilous, abusive, insulting, offensive, vulgar

Antonyms: polite, respectful, civil, courteous, decent