vaurien

Vaurien is a French noun that denotes a person of very low character; a scoundrel or worthless fellow. The term conveys moral reproach and is used to describe someone dishonest, unscrupulous, lazy, or socially harmful. It is more often applied to men; the feminine form vaurienne exists but is uncommon and may sound archaic.

Usage and nuance: It is a colloquial insult found in everyday speech, popular writing, and journalism, rather than in formal registers. It emphasizes character and behavior rather than social status. The intensity of the word ranges from mild reproach to strong condemnation, depending on context.

Etymology: The origin is uncertain; the word is historically linked to notions of worthlessness or decay, but there is no definitive derivation. It has been in use in French for several centuries and persists in modern usage.

See also: canaille, fripon, filou, malfrat, voyou.