indecoroso

Indecoroso is an adjective in Spanish used to describe conduct, speech, or appearance that violates decorum or propriety. It denotes actions regarded as improper, in poor taste, or disrespectful, as well as gestures or attire that fail to meet social expectations. The term is commonly found in formal, literary, or normative contexts and is used to condemn behavior rather than to describe everyday matters.

Etymology and nuance: Indecoroso is formed with the negative prefix in- attached to decoroso (decorous). The root decor- comes from Latin decorus, related to decorum and fitting conduct. Because of its formal tone, indecoroso often appears in editorial, religious, or ceremonial discourse, and its strength of judgment can vary with context and country.

Usage: The word can modify nouns such as conducta indecorosa, comportamiento indecoroso, or escena indecorosa, signaling that the act or scene is unbecoming. It can apply to manners, language, or appearance, with a scope ranging from mildly improper to strongly inappropriate depending on the speaker and setting. The feminine form is indecorosa when describing a feminine noun, as in conducta indecorosa.

Related terms: Synonyms include impropio, inapropiado, indecente, vulgar, and sometimes grosero in certain contexts; antonyms include decoroso, correcto, adecuado, respetuoso, digno. In everyday speech, indecoroso may sound formal or archaic, but it remains in current use in more normative or critical registers.