Main Entry: vul·gar

Pronunciation: \ˈvəl-gər\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin vulgaris of the mob, vulgar, from volgus, vulgus mob, common people

Date: 14th century

1 a : generally used, applied, or accepted b : understood in or having the ordinary sense <they reject the vulgar conception of miracle — W. R. Inge>
2 : vernacular <the vulgar name of a plant>
3 a : of or relating to the common people : plebeian b : generally current : public <the vulgar opinion of that time> c : of the usual, typical, or ordinary kind
4 a : lacking in cultivation, perception, or taste : coarse b : morally crude, undeveloped, or unregenerate : gross c : ostentatious or excessive in expenditure or display : pretentious
5 a : offensive in language : earthy b : lewdly or profanely indecent

synonyms see common, coarse

— vul·gar·ly adverb