Scurrilously

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner characterized by coarse or vulgar language intended to insult or defame ; with the use of lewd or offensive expressions designed to harm someone's reputation ; through communication that is offensive and derogatory, often meant to disgrace
2. Acting with the intent to convey rude or indecent remarks that damage another's character ; employing harsh or scandalous words to attack or ridicule ; manifesting a style of speech or writing that is vulgar and harmful to others' standing
3. Expressing oneself in a rough, indecent way aimed at maligning someone ; utilizing profane or insulting language to slander or vilify ; behaving or speaking in a disrespectful tone that undermines personal dignity

Etymology: "Scurrilously" is a plain adverb built from "scurrilous" and the suffix "-ly". "Scurrilous" comes from Latin "scurrilis", meaning buffoonish or coarse, from "scurra", a jester or city dandy. Its ancestors reach back to a Proto-Indo-European root for "to laugh", but the adjective itself is a Latin borrowing, so the "scurra" connection is the real heritage here. The suffix tells its own story. Old English "-līċe" turned adjectives into adverbs, and it softened over the centuries into the Middle English and modern "-ly" we use today. Attaching it to "scurrilous" gives the adverb sense of doing something in a scurrilous manner: speaking or writing with coarse, abusive language.

Synonyms: vulgarly, obscenely, coarsely, indecently, profane

Antonyms: politely, respectfully, decently, courteously, gently