What does rube mean?
A rube is a person regarded as stupid, slow-witted, ignorant, or unsophisticated. The term is especially associated with North American informal speech and often suggests someone perceived as unsophisticated or rural in manner. Although it has appeared in jokes, stage dialogue, and satirical characterizations, most contemporary uses are derogatory and can express contempt for a person's intelligence, background, or behavior. Using it playfully may soften its force in some circumstances, but the wording can still offend, especially when directed at someone from a rural community. The word is now chiefly notable as a blunt, old-fashioned insult and should generally be avoided in formal or respectful communication.
nounAn informal term for a person regarded as stupid, slow-witted, or unsophisticated. It is generally derogatory and may also carry an implication that the person is rural or unsophisticated.
- A person regarded as stupid or slow-witted.
- A person considered ignorant, unsophisticated, or rural.
- A crude or insensitive insult directed at such a person.
"His dismissive attitude toward the local workers made him sound like a rube."
"He dismissed the proposal without understanding it, leaving everyone to wonder if he was simply a rube."
"The speaker's exaggerated portrayal of the rural character turned the audience's laughter against him."
The plural is used when referring to multiple people regarded in this derogatory way.
"The speaker mocked the villagers as ignorant rubes."
Calling someone a rube may sound old-fashioned, but it is still a blunt insult rather than a friendly description of their rural ways.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rube come from?
The word is an American colloquial borrowing of the given name Rube, a shortened form of Reuben. It was used in a deprecating sense for an unsophisticated or slow-witted person. Its precise historical development from the personal name to the offensive slang meaning is not entirely clear.
How rube is actually used
This is chiefly North American informal slang and is usually contemptuous. It can sound deliberately exaggerated in satire or comedy, but outside such contexts it may be insulting, particularly when used to characterize someone as stupid or ignorant.