# savage

/ˈsævədʒ/ (US) · /sˈævɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/savage
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. violent or cruel

adjective · CEFR B2

very violent, cruel, or severe.

For teachers: characterized by brutality, ferocity, or a lack of restraint.

- The dog launched a savage attack on the intruder.
- The dictator was known for his savage treatment of political dissidents, often ordering public executions to maintain control through fear.

### 2. wild and untamed

adjective · CEFR B2 · Literary

wild and not controlled by people.

For teachers: existing in a natural state; not domesticated or cultivated.

- The explorers were amazed by the savage beauty of the mountains.
- The landscape remained a savage wilderness, untouched by the industrial expansion that had transformed the rest of the continent.

### 3. blunt and cool

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

used to describe someone who is very honest or rude in a funny, confident way.

For teachers: denoting a person or remark that is audaciously blunt, disrespectful, or sarcastic in a way that commands respect or amusement.

- That was a savage comeback; he didn't know what to say.
- Her response to the critic was absolutely savage, effectively ending the debate with a single, perfectly timed insult.

Teaching tip: This is very common in internet culture and among younger speakers to praise someone's boldness.

### 6. offensive term for people

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

an old, very offensive word for people who live in a simple way without modern technology.

For teachers: a historically derogatory term for members of indigenous or non-industrialized societies; now considered highly offensive in most contexts.

- In old books, explorers often called the local people savages.
- The colonial-era diary frequently refers to the native inhabitants as savages, reflecting the prejudiced attitudes of the time.

Teaching tip: Avoid using this as a noun to describe people; it is considered racist and offensive in modern English.

## Examples

- Her reply to his rude comment was totally savage.
- The comedian's savage takedown of the heckler went viral on social media within hours.
- While the review was undeniably savage in its critique of the screenplay, most industry insiders admitted that the harsh assessment was largely accurate.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.