blackguard
pronunciation
How to pronounce blackguard in British English:
UK [ˈblægɑ:d]
How to pronounce blackguard in American English:
US [ˈblægɑrd]
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- Noun:
- someone who is morally reprehensible
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- Verb:
- subject to laughter or ridicule
- use foul or abusive language towards
Word Origin
- blackguard (n.)
- 1530s, scullion, kitchen knave. Perhaps once an actual military or guard unit; more likely originally a mock-military reference to scullions and kitchen-knaves of noble households, of black-liveried personal guards, and of shoeblacks. By 1736, sense had emerged of "one of the criminal class." Hence the adjectival use (1784), "of low or worthless character."
Example
- 1. Even more obscure than blackguard is blackleg " scab , non-unionist . "
- 2. In modern english , a blackguard is a worthless , contemptible person , so where does guard come in ?
- 3. Needless to say , attempts to derive blackguard from some foreign language cannot be taken seriously , but I would like to mention a small detail .
- 4. The collective meaning of the noun gradually disappeared ; today a blackguard is an individual , not a body of people .
- 5. Other members of the blackguard were link boys ( torch bearers ) , youngsters of ill repute .