scoundrel

/ˈskaʊndrəl/ Literary / Archaic

Say it: SKOWN-drul

noun A dishonest, dishonorable, or unprincipled person; a rogue or a villain.
He was a scoundrel who took advantage of the kindness of strangers.
🇪🇸 canalla

📖 Seen in the wild

Not just wicked, no, I never even managed to become anything: neither wicked nor good, neither a scoundrel nor an honest man, neither a hero nor an insect.
collected by @missha

✏️ scoundrel in a sentence

The politician was denounced in the press as a scoundrel for his blatant corruption.
He plays the part of a lovable scoundrel in the film, a thief with a heart of gold.
You ate the last piece of cake, you old scoundrel!
History is filled with tales of scoundrels who rose to power through deceit and treachery.
She had a soft spot for the charming scoundrel, even though she knew he couldn't be trusted.
The biography painted him as an absolute scoundrel who betrayed everyone who ever helped him.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

villain rogue rascal knave blackguard reprobate miscreant wretch

villain · suggests active malice or evil, often on a larger scale.

rogue · often implies a charming or likable quality despite the dishonesty.

rascal · a milder term, often used playfully for a mischievous person, not a truly evil one.

knave · an older, more literary term for a deceitful man.

Opposites: hero, saint, gentleman, paragon, role model

🌱 Where it comes from

The exact origin of 'scoundrel' is a mystery, which is fitting for a word describing a shady character. It first appeared in English in the late 1500s, but scholars have not been able to trace it to a definitive source. Its sudden emergence without clear roots adds to its roguish charm.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

a complete scoundrela charming scoundrelan absolute scoundrela lovable scoundrelyou old scoundrel

Scoundrel is a strong but somewhat old-fashioned insult. Its use today often carries a literary or dramatic flair, making it feel more deliberate than a common curse word. The word's tone can be softened considerably by context; calling a friend an 'old scoundrel' for a minor prank is affectionate, while calling a public figure a 'complete scoundrel' is a serious condemnation of their character.

Word family: scoundrelly, scoundrelism

💬 Quick answers

What does scoundrel mean?

A scoundrel is a dishonest, dishonorable, or unprincipled person. It's a strong term for someone you consider a villain or a rogue.

What's the difference between a scoundrel and a rogue?

While both are dishonest, a 'rogue' often has a charming or playful quality, making them somewhat likable. A 'scoundrel' is a more serious insult, implying a deeper lack of honor and principle.

Is scoundrel a bad word?

Yes, it is a strong insult used to condemn someone's character as dishonorable. However, it can sometimes be used in a playful or affectionate way, especially in phrases like 'you old scoundrel'.

Is the word scoundrel still used today?

The word is considered somewhat archaic or literary. While not common in everyday conversation, it is still used for dramatic or humorous effect, especially in writing and film.

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