Quick answer
Blackguard means a scoundrel or contemptible person. It is old-fashioned, severe, and often pronounced BLAG-ard.
Word page
Blackguard Meaning
A blackguard is a scoundrel, rogue, or dishonest and contemptible person. The word looks severe on the page and sounds even more dramatic aloud, especially because its traditional pronunciation is often closer to BLAG-ard. Today it works best in historical fiction, theatrical accusation, or discussion of old insults.
At a glance
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, a blackguard is someone with bad character: dishonest, low, contemptible, or villainous. It is stronger than rascal and usually less playful than rapscallion. The variant spelling blaggard exists too, but blackguard is the standard form.
Tone, context and nuance
Blackguard is rare, old-fashioned, and strongly negative. Use it when the character is dishonest or morally contemptible and the old-fashioned force is useful. If you want a simpler modern word, use scoundrel, villain, or dishonest person.
Common mistakes
- Pronouncing every letter literally: The traditional pronunciation is often BLAG-ard, not black-guard.
- Using it for harmless mischief: Blackguard is too severe for playful trouble.
- Confusing it with blaggard: Blaggard is a variant; blackguard is the standard spelling.
- Applying it to objects: A blackguard is a person, not a broken thing.
Example sentences
- Simple: You blackguard, return the money at once.
- Everyday: Calling someone a blackguard today sounds dramatic, but the accusation is clear.
- Writing: The novel gives the blackguard polished manners and terrible morals.
- Nuance: Blackguard is stronger and darker than scallywag or rapscallion.
- Awkward: "The broken lock is a blackguard." Better: "The thief was a blackguard."
Similar words and differences
Opposite words
honorable person, decent person, upright person, trustworthy person
Word origin
Blackguard originally referred to low-status household or camp followers associated with dirty work, then developed into an insult for a low or contemptible person.
Writing tip
Use blackguard when old-fashioned moral condemnation is the point. If readers need instant modern clarity, choose scoundrel or villain.
Common questions
- What does blackguard mean in simple words? Blackguard means a scoundrel, rogue, or dishonest and contemptible person.
- How do you pronounce blackguard? Blackguard is often pronounced BLAG-ard.
- Is blackguard still used today? It is rare today and mostly used for old-fashioned, literary, or comic effect.
- Is blackguard the same as blaggard? Blaggard is a variant spelling of blackguard.
- What is another word for blackguard? Similar words include blaggard, scoundrel, villain, cad, and reprobate.
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Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 14, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.