What does hircine mean?
Hircine is an uncommon literary adjective meaning “of or like a goat.” It can describe physical traits such as a beard, odor, or facial expression, and it can also characterize behavior that is considered coarse, lustful, or goatish. Because the word draws heavily on the traditional image of goats as unruly and sexually unruly animals, its figurative uses often carry a disparaging or humorous edge. It is not the standard term for merely animal-related subjects, which are more usually described as caprine, ovine, or bovine. Hircine appears chiefly in sophisticated literary writing, where its unusual formation and vivid associations make it more expressive than the plainer word goat-like. The term is uncommon enough that context can affect whether it sounds humorously exaggerated or genuinely insulting.
Of or relating to a goat; resembling a goat in appearance, smell, or manner.
"The animal's hircine features were unmistakable."
Often used in literary descriptions of goat-like appearance or smell.
Figuratively, coarse, lustful, or behaving in a goat-like manner.
"The critic dismissed the play's hircine humor as vulgar."
This figurative use is generally derogatory and is mainly found in formal or literary contexts.
Hircine is a literary word for something goat-like, and its unpleasant associations make it useful for describing moral or physical “goatishness.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hircine come from?
Hircine comes through Latin hircinus, “of or like a goat,” from hircus, “goat” or “he-goat.” The English word entered literary use in the 17th century. Its figurative sense developed by extension from the traditional associations of goats with coarse behavior and lustfulness.
How hircine is actually used
Hircine is formal and literary rather than everyday. Its figurative sense is usually derogatory and may suggest coarseness, sexual appetite, or stubbornness.