Quick answer
Boor means a rude, insensitive, ill-mannered person. It is usually pronounced BOOR, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Boor
Boor means a rude, insensitive, ill-mannered person. It belongs to shakespearean and stagey words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
shakespeareanstageydramatic
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, boor refers to a rude, insensitive, ill-mannered person. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Boor feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Boor is generally traced to dutch via English, originally meaning peasant, later becoming a social insult. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Boor is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- He interrupted the host repeatedly and looked like a complete boor.
- The review paints the hero as rich, witty, and occasionally a boor.
- Only a boor would answer the phone during the eulogy.
- Boor is a tidy insult for large failures of manners.
When should you use this word?
Use boor when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
Lout, Philistine, Oaf, Cad
Opposite or contrasting words
Gentleman, Polite guest, Civil person
Common questions
- What does boor mean? a rude, insensitive, ill-mannered person.
- How do you pronounce boor? It is commonly pronounced BOOR.
- Is boor still used today? Boor is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use boor? Use boor when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to boor? Similar words include Lout, Philistine, Oaf, and Cad.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.