Boors

A boor is a person who behaves in a crude, unrefined, or ill-mannered manner, especially in social or formal settings. The term carries a pejorative connotation and is typically applied to individuals who show little regard for others’ comfort, propriety, or social norms. Boors are often described as lacking tact, courtesy, and restraint in conversation and conduct.

The word originates from the Dutch boer, meaning farmer, and entered English with senses linking rustic or coarse behavior to rural status. Over time, its use broadened to describe anyone regarded as socially insensitive or uncultured, regardless of their actual background. The related adjective boorish characterizes such behavior.

Typical boorish behavior includes loud or crude speech, inappropriate jokes, poor table manners, interrupting others, invading personal space, and a general disregard for hosts or bystanders. Boorishness may stem from ignorance or arrogance, but it can also reflect a failure to adapt to social norms in a given context, such as formal events or public settings where etiquette is expected.

In historical and literary contexts, boorishness has often been contrasted with the ideal of the refined or educated person and used to critique class pretensions or a lack of self-control. Today, the label remains a blunt social judgment rather than a technical term, used to describe behavior seen as disrespectful or socially clumsy.

See also: lout, vulgarian, rude behavior, etiquette.