What does blackguardly mean?
Blackguardly is an adjective meaning dishonorable, unprincipled, or contemptible, especially when describing conduct or treatment. Its force is strongly moral: calling an action blackguardly identifies it not merely as unfortunate or impolite, but as mean, morally corrupt, or unworthy of honest people. The word is often used in literary, historical, or formal contexts and has a somewhat old-fashioned tone. A writer might describe deceitful government officials as acting in a blackguardly fashion or condemn cruel treatment of employees as blackguardly behavior. It differs from the related noun blackguard, which names a contemptible or villainous person. Blackguardly is especially useful when the intended emphasis is on the character of an action rather than on the identity of the person responsible for it.
adjectiveUnprincipled, dishonorable, or contemptible in manner or conduct.
- Describing behavior, conduct, or treatment that is dishonorable, mean, or contemptible.
"The committee condemned the blackguardly way in which the officials had treated the applicants."
"His blackguardly treatment of the servants was widely condemned."
"The novel portrays the corrupt officials and their blackguardly misuse of public funds."
Blackguardly preserves the moral force of blackguard while shifting the focus from a wicked person to wicked conduct.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does blackguardly come from?
Blackguardly was formed from blackguard, a term for a base or contemptible person, with the adjectival suffix -ly. The precise origin of blackguard is uncertain, although early uses associated it with lower servants and rough or dishonest men before it came to denote a villain generally. The derived adjective has mainly conveyed disreputable or dishonorable behavior.
How blackguardly is actually used
Chiefly literary and old-fashioned, this word carries a strongly condemnatory tone. It is now more common in formal or historical prose than in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with blackguardly
A blackguard is a contemptible or villainous person, whereas blackguardly describes dishonorable behavior, conduct, or treatment.