scurrilous
adjective
Edwin Benson
Did you know?
Scurrilous (and its much rarer relation scurrile, which has the same meaning) comes from the Middle French word scurrile, which comes ultimately from the Latin noun scurra, meaning “buffoon” or “jester.” Fittingly, 18th-century lexicographer Samuel Johnson defined scurrilous as “using such language as only the licence of a buffoon could warrant.” Qualities traditionally associated with buffoonery—vulgarity, irreverence, and indecorousness—are qualities often invoked by the word scurrilous. Unlike the words of a jester, however, “scurrilous” language of the present day more often intends to seriously harm or slander someone than to produce a few laughs.
Examples of scurrilous in a Sentence
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
The justices who renounced that lie in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Center exposed themselves to scurrilous criticisms and even threats to their safety.
—The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025
Players known for sometimes scurrilous behavior were scared off by that lifetime ban.
—John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2025
The good people of Lancaster County were innocent of the charges thrown at them by raving Southerners and scurrilous Democrats.
—Matthew Karp, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scurrilous
Cite this Entry
“Scurrilous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scurrilous. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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scurrilous
adjective
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