rude
- 01 A2 Elementary
not polite; having or showing bad manners towards other people.
lacking in civility or discourteous in manner. This is the primary modern sense of the word.
Simple“It is very rude to interrupt someone while they are speaking.”
In context“The shop assistant was incredibly rude to the customers, refusing to answer basic questions about the products on display.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
relating to sex or things that people might find offensive or embarrassing.
socially unacceptable or slightly obscene; often used to describe jokes, gestures, or language.
Simple“He got in trouble at school for telling a rude joke during lunch.”
In context“The comedian was known for his rude humor, which frequently pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for television.”
Teacher's tipIn British English, 'rude' is the standard way to describe 'dirty' jokes or adult content without being overly clinical.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
made in a simple or rough way, without much skill or detail.
roughly or crudely constructed; lacking refinement or sophisticated workmanship.
Simple“The hikers built a rude shelter out of branches to stay dry during the storm.”
In context“The archaeologists discovered a rude stone altar that appeared to predate the more ornate temple structures nearby.”
Antonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
used in the phrase 'rude health' to mean very strong and healthy.
vigorous, robust, or hearty; almost exclusively found in the fixed collocation 'rude health'.
Simple“Despite being over eighty years old, he is still in rude health.”
In context“The company's balance sheet appeared to be in rude health, suggesting it could easily weather a temporary downturn in the market.”
UsageAlmost always used as part of the phrase 'in rude health'.
Teacher's tipThis is a high-level idiomatic use. It does not mean the person is impolite; it means they look exceptionally fit.
- 05 C2 Proficiency
used by young people to mean something is very good, cool, or impressive.
denoting excellence, coolness, or high status within specific urban subcultures.
Simple“That new car he bought is actually well rude.”
In context“The track features a rude bassline that immediately became a favorite in the underground club scene.”
Teacher's tipThis is specific to Multicultural London English (MLE). Outside of this specific dialect, 'rude' remains a negative word.