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C1 Adjective #26 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

crass

Top 26

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The word 'crass' is a word we use to describe someone who is very, very rude. Imagine someone who does not care about other people's feelings. For example, if someone is crying because they are sad, and another person makes a loud, mean joke, that person is being 'crass'. It is a big word for 'not nice' and 'not thinking'. At this level, you can think of it as a very strong version of 'rude'. We use it when someone does something that makes everyone else feel uncomfortable because it was so insensitive. If you are at a party and someone starts talking about how much money they have while others are struggling, that is crass. It is important to know that this is a bad thing to be. People do not like crass behavior. It is like being 'thick-headed'—you don't understand the feelings in the room. Even though 'crass' is a difficult word, you can remember it by thinking of someone who is 'crashing' a quiet, nice moment with a loud, mean comment. It is not just being a little bit mean; it is being mean in a way that shows you don't understand how to behave around others. Most people try to be kind and sensitive, but a crass person is the opposite. They are loud, vulgar, and they only think about themselves or money. You might see this word in stories about people who are not very kind. Remember: Crass = Very Rude + No Feelings for others.

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At the A2 level, you can understand 'crass' as an adjective that describes behavior that is both rude and lacking in intelligence. It is not just about being mean; it is about not having 'tact'. Tact is when you know the right thing to say to make people feel good. A crass person has no tact. They might say things that are 'vulgar'. Vulgar means something that is low-class or not polite. For example, if you are at a wedding and someone starts talking about their recent divorce in a loud and angry way, that is crass. They are ruining a happy moment because they are not thinking about the bride and groom. Another common way to use this word is with 'money'. If someone is always showing off their expensive things and making other people feel poor, we say they are being crass. It is a way of saying their behavior is 'gross' or 'too much'. You can use this word to describe movies or TV shows too. If a show has a lot of cheap, mean jokes, you can say it is a crass show. It is a useful word because it helps you describe a specific kind of bad behavior—the kind where the person just doesn't 'get it'. They don't understand that their words are hurting others or making the situation bad. When you use this word, you are saying that the person should be more sensitive and more refined. Refined people are polite and thoughtful. Crass people are the opposite.

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As a B1 learner, you should recognize 'crass' as a word that critiques a lack of social refinement and emotional intelligence. It is a C1-level word, but it is very common in news and cultural discussions. It specifically refers to behavior that is insensitive, especially in a way that is vulgar or focused on material things. A key phrase to learn is 'crass commercialism'. This is when companies try to make money from things that should be private or special. For example, if a company uses a tragic event to sell a product, people will call it 'crass commercialism'. In personal relationships, 'crass' describes someone who makes inappropriate comments because they lack empathy. They are 'thick-skinned' in a negative way—they don't feel the emotions of the people around them. You might hear this word in a movie review where the critic says the humor was 'crass and unfunny'. This means the jokes were low-level and perhaps offensive. It is different from 'rude' because 'crass' implies a certain level of ignorance or stupidity regarding social norms. A rude person might know they are being mean, but a crass person often doesn't even realize how inappropriate they are being. They lack the 'finesse' or 'subtlety' to navigate complex social situations. When you use this word, you are making a strong judgment about someone's character. You are saying they lack the sensitivity that makes someone a pleasant person to be around.

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At the B2 level, you can start to use 'crass' to describe more complex social and intellectual failures. It is an adjective that denotes a gross lack of sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence. When we use 'crass', we are often pointing out a mismatch between a person's behavior and the requirements of a situation. For instance, making a joke about someone's weight is rude; making that joke at a medical conference about obesity is crass. It shows a fundamental failure to understand the context. The word is frequently used in social criticism to describe the 'nouveau riche' or anyone who displays wealth in a way that is considered tasteless and insensitive to those with less. It is also used to describe 'crass ignorance'—a level of ignorance that is so complete and stubborn that it becomes offensive. In this sense, it is not just about not knowing something; it is about not caring to know, or being too 'thick' to see the truth. You will find this word in sophisticated journalism, especially when writers are discussing the decline of public discourse or the vulgarity of modern entertainment. It is a powerful tool for expressing disdain. When you call a comment 'crass', you are suggesting it is beneath the dignity of the conversation. It is a word that helps you distinguish between someone who is simply having a bad day and someone whose fundamental approach to the world is unrefined and insensitive.

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For C1 learners, 'crass' is an essential part of a sophisticated vocabulary, particularly for social and cultural critique. It functions as a sharp descriptor for behavior that is not merely insensitive but demonstrably vulgar and devoid of any aesthetic or emotional nuance. The etymological root—the Latin 'crassus' for 'thick'—provides a perfect metaphor for the word's modern application: a 'thick-headed' inability to perceive the subtle emotional and social cues that define refined human interaction. You should be able to use it in various contexts: 'crass commercialism' (the exploitation of non-commercial values for profit), 'crass behavior' (socially inappropriate or vulgar actions), and 'crass ignorance' (a blatant and offensive lack of knowledge). In a C1 context, 'crass' often implies a certain level of 'philistinism'—an indifference to cultural and artistic values in favor of material ones. It is a word used to defend the 'finer' things in life against the encroachment of the vulgar and the insensitive. When analyzing a text, you might note how an author uses 'crass' to characterize a protagonist's antagonist, immediately signaling to the reader that this character lacks empathy and depth. It is also useful in formal debates to dismiss an opponent's argument as being 'crassly reductive', meaning it oversimplifies a complex issue to the point of being misleading and offensive. Mastering 'crass' allows you to express a specific type of high-level disapproval that combines moral, social, and intellectual judgment.

At the C2 level, 'crass' is used with precision to denote a profound and often willful lack of discernment, sensitivity, or intellectual sophistication. It is the quintessential descriptor for the 'gross' in the philosophical sense—that which is unrefined, undifferentiated, and purely material. In high-level discourse, 'crass' is often deployed to critique the intersection of late-stage capitalism and cultural vacuity. One might speak of the 'crass instrumentalization' of human relationships, where people are treated merely as tools for personal gain, devoid of any deontological or empathetic consideration. The term 'crass' also finds its place in aesthetic theory, describing works that lack 'subtlety' and 'poignancy', instead opting for 'garish' and 'obtrusive' elements that appeal to the lowest common denominator. A C2 speaker understands that 'crass' is not just an insult but a diagnostic tool for identifying a specific type of social and intellectual pathology—one characterized by a 'thickening' of the sensibilities that prevents the individual from engaging with the 'sublime' or the 'nuanced'. Whether discussing the 'crass opportunism' of a political figure or the 'crassly materialistic' values of a society, the word serves as a marker of a refined perspective that values the intangible over the merely tangible. It is often contrasted with 'elegance', 'discretion', and 'perspicacity'. In this realm, 'crassness' is seen as a failure of the spirit as much as a failure of manners, representing a fundamental inability to transcend the most basic, vulgar impulses of human nature.

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Crass describes behavior that is insensitive, vulgar, and lacks refinement, often showing a total disregard for the feelings of others in social situations.
The word is frequently used to criticize 'crass commercialism,' where profit is prioritized over human decency, sensitivity, or traditional cultural values.
It originates from the Latin word for 'thick,' suggesting a person who is 'thick-headed' and unable to perceive subtle social or emotional cues.
Crass is a strong, judgmental adjective used in formal writing and social commentary to label actions that are remarkably tactless or intellectually shallow.

The word crass is a powerful adjective used to describe behavior, remarks, or attitudes that are remarkably insensitive, unrefined, and lacking in any sort of social grace or intelligence. When we call something crass, we are not just saying it is slightly rude; we are suggesting that it is fundamentally vulgar and demonstrates a total disregard for the feelings of others or the solemnity of a situation. It is the opposite of being tactful or sophisticated. Historically, the word comes from the Latin 'crassus', which meant thick, fat, or gross. Over centuries, this physical description of 'thickness' evolved into a metaphorical description of 'mental thickness' or a lack of refinement. In modern English, it is most frequently applied to people who make inappropriate jokes at serious events, individuals who brag excessively about their wealth in front of those who are struggling, or commercial enterprises that prioritize profit so aggressively that they ignore human decency.

Social Context: Crassness often appears in social settings where a certain level of decorum is expected. For example, asking someone how much their house cost during a funeral would be considered a crass inquiry. It shows that the speaker is 'thick-skinned' in the worst way—unable to perceive the emotional atmosphere of the room.

The politician's crass comments about the tragedy alienated even his most loyal supporters.

Furthermore, the term is often paired with 'commercialism'. Crass commercialism refers to the practice of turning everything, including sacred or deeply personal experiences, into a source of profit. Think of a company using a national disaster to sell shoes; that is the epitome of being crass. It lacks the 'fine' qualities of human empathy and replaces them with the 'thick' or 'gross' pursuit of material gain. People use this word when they want to express a high level of disapproval that borders on disgust. It is a word of judgment, implying that the offender should know better but either doesn't care or is too intellectually 'thick' to understand the nuances of the situation.

Intellectual Nuance: While often used for social blunders, it can also describe an intellectual failure. A crass argument is one that ignores all complexity and focuses only on the most basic, often incorrect, points.

He made a crass joke about her appearance, unaware that she was standing right behind him.

In summary, calling someone or something crass is a way to point out a lack of sensitivity that is so extreme it becomes offensive. It is a word for the boorish, the tactless, and the vulgarly materialistic. It suggests a person who is 'thick' in mind and spirit, unable to appreciate the finer, more sensitive aspects of human interaction and culture.

Using the word crass correctly requires understanding its role as a descriptor for behavior that misses the mark of decency. It is almost always negative. You can use it to describe a person, their words, their actions, or even an entire culture or system. One of the most common ways to use it is in the phrase 'crass commercialism', which has become a standard way to criticize the over-marketing of holidays or emotional events. When you use 'crass', you are positioning yourself as someone who values refinement and sensitivity, and you are critiquing someone else for lacking those qualities.

Describing Speech: When someone says something inappropriate, you can call the remark crass. 'The comedian's crass humor relied on stereotypes rather than wit.' This implies the humor was low-level and insensitive.

I was offended by his crass disregard for the local customs during his trip abroad.

You can also use 'crass' to describe a general attitude toward money or status. If someone is obsessed with showing off their wealth in a way that makes others uncomfortable, their behavior is crass. For example, 'The billionaire's crass display of opulence was seen as an insult to the impoverished community nearby.' Here, 'crass' emphasizes the lack of empathy and the 'gross' nature of the display. It is important to note that 'crass' is an adjective, but it can be turned into a noun, 'crassness', or an adverb, 'crassly'. You might say, 'He crassly interrupted the moment of silence to check his phone,' or 'The sheer crassness of the advertisement was shocking.'

Describing Decisions: Business decisions can be crass if they ignore human impact. 'The company made a crass decision to fire employees via a generic text message on Christmas Eve.'

It would be crass to mention the inheritance while the family is still in mourning.

In academic or formal writing, 'crass' can be used to describe a simplified or reductive approach to a complex topic. 'The author provides a crass interpretation of the historical events, failing to account for the socio-political nuances of the era.' In this context, 'crass' means the analysis is crude and lacks intellectual depth. Whether you are talking about a social faux pas or a poorly thought-out theory, 'crass' serves as a sharp tool for critique.

You are most likely to encounter the word crass in high-level journalism, literary criticism, and sophisticated social commentary. It is a favorite word of columnists who are critiquing modern culture, especially when they feel that society is becoming too focused on money or celebrity at the expense of traditional values or manners. You will often hear it on news programs or in documentaries when experts are discussing 'crass commercialism' in the context of holidays like Christmas or Valentine's Day. It is also common in political discourse, where one side might accuse the other of making 'crass' appeals to voters' fears or prejudices.

In Media and Film: Film critics often use 'crass' to describe movies that rely on cheap shocks, vulgar jokes, or blatant product placement. If a movie feels like it was made just to sell toys, a critic might call it a 'crass exercise in branding'.

The documentary explored the crass reality of the influencer industry, where every moment is monetized.

In everyday conversation, 'crass' is used by people who are particularly sensitive to social etiquette. You might hear it among friends when discussing a mutual acquaintance who behaved poorly. 'Did you hear what he said to her? It was so crass.' It is a word that carries a certain amount of social weight; using it suggests that the speaker has a refined sense of what is and isn't appropriate. In the UK, it might be used to describe someone who is 'new money' and showing it off in an unrefined way, though this usage is becoming less common as social structures change. In the US, it is frequently applied to the 'crassness' of reality television, where people's private lives and emotions are put on display for entertainment.

In Literature: Authors use 'crass' to characterize villains or unlikable characters. A character who is crass is often portrayed as someone who understands the price of everything but the value of nothing.

Critics slammed the awards show for its crass attempts at being 'edgy' which only came across as offensive.

Finally, you will find 'crass' in legal or ethical discussions. If a company behaves with 'crass negligence', it means they weren't just careless; they were so indifferent to safety or ethics that it was shocking. This shows the word's versatility—from describing a bad joke to describing a major corporate scandal. It always points to a fundamental lack of the 'finer' human qualities of care and awareness.

One of the most common mistakes people make with the word crass is confusing it with 'gross' in a purely physical sense. While 'crass' does come from a word meaning 'thick' or 'gross', in modern English, it almost always refers to behavior or attitudes, not physical objects. You wouldn't call a messy room 'crass'; you would call it 'gross' or 'disgusting'. 'Crass' requires a human element of insensitivity or lack of refinement. Another mistake is using it as a synonym for 'stupid' without the element of vulgarity. While a crass person might be unintelligent, the word specifically highlights their lack of social or emotional intelligence, not necessarily their IQ.

Crass vs. Rude: People often use 'crass' when they just mean 'rude'. However, 'crass' is much stronger. Being rude might just mean forgetting to say 'thank you'. Being crass means saying something hurtful or vulgar because you don't care about the other person's feelings.

Correct: It was crass of him to brag about his promotion while his friend was being laid off. (Incorrect: It was crass that the milk was spoiled.)

Another common error is misusing the phrase 'crass commercialism'. Sometimes people use it to describe any kind of advertising, but it should be reserved for advertising that is particularly tasteless or exploitative. If a local bakery puts up a sign for a sale, that isn't crass commercialism. If a funeral home offers a 'buy one get one free' deal on coffins, *that* is crass commercialism. The word requires that element of 'crossing the line' into vulgarity or insensitivity. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'crass' with 'curse'. While a crass person might curse, the words are unrelated in meaning and origin.

Crass vs. Vulgar: While similar, 'vulgar' often refers to things that are low-class or obscene. 'Crass' specifically emphasizes the 'thick-headed' insensitivity of the person. A vulgar joke is dirty; a crass joke is insensitive to the audience.

Don't mistake crass for 'honest'. Someone who says 'you look old' isn't being honest; they are being crass.

Finally, be careful with the intensity. 'Crass' is a very judgmental word. If you call someone crass to their face, it is a significant insult. It suggests they lack the basic human quality of empathy. Use it when you are sure the behavior warrants such a strong label. In professional settings, calling a colleague's idea 'crass' could be seen as highly aggressive, so it's often better to use softer terms like 'insensitive' or 'ill-timed' unless the situation is truly extreme.

When the word crass feels a bit too strong or not quite right for the specific type of insensitivity you are describing, there are several alternatives you can use. Each has a slightly different nuance. 'Tactless' is a common alternative that focuses on the lack of social skill. A tactless person says the wrong thing because they don't know any better, whereas a crass person might say it because they don't care. 'Boorish' is another excellent synonym, often used to describe someone who is rude and uneducated in the ways of polite society. It suggests a person who is like a 'boor'—a rough, unrefined peasant (historically speaking).

Comparison: Crass vs. Tactless: Crass: Implies a vulgar, often materialistic lack of sensitivity. Stronger and more judgmental.
Tactless: Implies a simple failure to say the right thing at the right time. More about social clumsiness.

While his comments were crass, his brother was merely tactless, often saying the wrong thing by accident.

If you want to emphasize the lack of culture or intellectual depth, 'Philistine' is a sophisticated alternative. A Philistine is someone who is indifferent or even hostile to the arts and culture, often preferring material wealth. This overlaps significantly with the 'crass commercialism' aspect of our target word. For behavior that is specifically related to being low-class or obscene, 'vulgar' is the best choice. 'Uncouth' is another good word, describing someone who lacks good manners or refinement. It feels slightly more old-fashioned than 'crass' but carries a similar weight of social judgment.

Comparison: Crass vs. Vulgar: Crass: Focuses on the 'thickness' of the mind and lack of empathy.
Vulgar: Focuses on the 'commonness' or lack of taste, often involving obscenity.

The crass nature of the marketing campaign was even more offensive than its vulgar imagery.

On the opposite side, if you want to describe the qualities that a crass person lacks, you would use words like 'refined', 'sophisticated', 'tactful', 'sensitive', or 'discerning'. A discerning person can see the subtle differences in a situation and act accordingly, whereas a crass person treats everything with the same heavy-handed, insensitive approach. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the exact word to describe the level of social failure you are witnessing.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'grease' actually shares a distant root with 'crass' through the concept of 'fatness' or 'thickness'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kræs/

US /kræs/

Single syllable word; the stress is on the entire word.

Reimt sich auf

mass pass glass class brass sass lass grass

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it like 'crase' (rhyming with 'face').
Confusing the vowel sound with 'cross'.
Adding an extra syllable like 'crass-y'.
Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' sound.
Confusing it with the word 'curse'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

Common in literature and journalism, but requires understanding of nuance.

Schreiben 5/5

Hard to use correctly without sounding overly aggressive or pretentious.

Sprechen 4/5

Useful for high-level social critique but rare in basic conversation.

Hören 3/5

Easily recognized once the meaning is known.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

rude vulgar insensitive thick gross

Als Nächstes lernen

philistine boorish tactless uncouth churlish

Fortgeschritten

utilitarianism mercantilism aesthetic nuance perspicacity

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Placement

The crass (adj) remark (noun) shocked everyone.

Adverb Formation

He behaved crassly (adv) during the meeting.

Noun Formation

The crassness (noun) of the situation was undeniable.

Negative Prefix Potential

While 'uncrass' isn't a word, we use 'refined' or 'sensitive' as opposites.

Comparative and Superlative

That was the crassest (superlative) thing I've ever heard.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

It is crass to talk about money at a party.

Es de mala educación hablar de dinero en una fiesta.

Adjective following 'It is... to [verb]'.

He made a crass joke that nobody liked.

Hizo un chiste grosero que a nadie le gustó.

Adjective modifying the noun 'joke'.

Don't be crass; say thank you.

No seas grosero; di gracias.

Imperative 'Don't be' + adjective.

The movie was a bit crass for me.

La película fue un poco grosera para mí.

Adjective describing a noun (movie).

Her crass words hurt my feelings.

Sus palabras groseras hirieron mis sentimientos.

Possessive adjective + adjective + noun.

Is it crass to ask how much this cost?

¿Es de mala educación preguntar cuánto costó esto?

Interrogative form of 'It is crass to'.

I don't like crass people.

No me gusta la gente grosera.

Adjective modifying 'people'.

The commercial was very crass.

El anuncio fue muy grosero.

Adjective following the verb 'to be'.

The politician's crass behavior was on the news.

El comportamiento grosero del político salió en las noticias.

Genitive 's' + adjective + noun.

It's crass to ignore someone when they are talking.

Es de mala educación ignorar a alguien cuando está hablando.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

She thought the advertisement was crass and loud.

Ella pensó que el anuncio era grosero y ruidoso.

Compound adjectives.

He gave a crass answer to a serious question.

Dio una respuesta grosera a una pregunta seria.

Adjective modifying 'answer'.

I think showing off your wealth is crass.

Creo que presumir de tu riqueza es de mala educación.

Gerund phrase as subject.

The crassness of his comment shocked everyone.

La grosería de su comentario sorprendió a todos.

Noun form 'crassness'.

They were criticized for their crass commercialism.

Fueron criticados por su comercialismo grosero.

Passive voice + prepositional phrase.

Stop making those crass jokes; they aren't funny.

Deja de hacer esos chistes groseros; no son graciosos.

Imperative 'Stop' + gerund.

The company's attempt to profit from the disaster was seen as crass.

El intento de la empresa de lucrarse con el desastre fue visto como algo grosero.

Passive voice 'was seen as'.

It would be crass of me to mention his failure now.

Sería grosero de mi parte mencionar su fracaso ahora.

Conditional 'would be' + 'of me'.

His crass disregard for the rules led to his dismissal.

Su grosero desprecio por las reglas llevó a su despido.

Adjective modifying 'disregard'.

The film was criticized for its crass portrayal of the elderly.

La película fue criticada por su grosera representación de los ancianos.

Noun phrase with 'portrayal'.

I found his remarks about her appearance quite crass.

Encontré sus comentarios sobre su apariencia bastante groseros.

Verb 'found' + object + adjective.

The crassness of the media coverage was disappointing.

La grosería de la cobertura mediática fue decepcionante.

Noun 'crassness' as subject.

He crassly interrupted the funeral service to take a call.

Interrumpió groseramente el servicio funerario para atender una llamada.

Adverb 'crassly'.

She was known for her crass and insensitive personality.

Era conocida por su personalidad grosera e insensible.

Coordinated adjectives.

The documentary highlights the crass commercialism of the holiday season.

El documental destaca el comercialismo grosero de la temporada navideña.

Present simple for general truth.

His crass comments during the interview cost him the job.

Sus comentarios groseros durante la entrevista le costaron el trabajo.

Past simple with 'cost' (irregular verb).

It is a crass simplification of a very complex issue.

Es una simplificación grosera de un tema muy complejo.

Adjective modifying 'simplification'.

The author explores the crassness of the 'nouveau riche' in her latest novel.

La autora explora la grosería de los 'nuevos ricos' en su última novela.

Noun 'crassness' as object of 'explores'.

They showed a crass indifference to the suffering of others.

Mostraron una indiferencia grosera ante el sufrimiento de los demás.

Adjective modifying 'indifference'.

The marketing campaign was labeled as crass and exploitative.

La campaña de marketing fue calificada de grosera y explotadora.

Passive voice 'was labeled as'.

He spoke crassly about his ex-wife in front of their children.

Habló groseramente de su ex esposa delante de sus hijos.

Adverb 'crassly' modifying 'spoke'.

The crass nature of the reality show drew many complaints.

La naturaleza grosera del reality show provocó muchas quejas.

Noun phrase 'crass nature'.

The critic dismissed the film as a crass attempt to capitalize on recent tragedies.

El crítico descartó la película como un intento grosero de capitalizar las tragedias recientes.

Verb 'dismissed' + object + 'as'.

Her crass ignorance of the historical context was evident in her speech.

Su grosera ignorancia del contexto histórico fue evidente en su discurso.

Adjective modifying 'ignorance'.

The CEO's crass remarks about the minimum wage sparked a national debate.

Los comentarios groseros del CEO sobre el salario mínimo desataron un debate nacional.

Possessive noun + adjective + noun.

We must move beyond this crass materialism and focus on spiritual growth.

Debemos ir más allá de este comercialismo grosero y centrarnos en el crecimiento espiritual.

Modal 'must' + phrasal verb 'move beyond'.

The sheer crassness of the proposal left the board members speechless.

La pura grosería de la propuesta dejó a los miembros de la junta sin palabras.

Intensifier 'sheer' + noun 'crassness'.

He was accused of crass opportunism for switching parties right before the election.

Fue acusado de oportunismo grosero por cambiar de partido justo antes de las elecciones.

Preposition 'of' + noun phrase.

The exhibit was a protest against the crassness of modern urban life.

La exposición fue una protesta contra la grosería de la vida urbana moderna.

Noun 'crassness' in a prepositional phrase.

To suggest such a thing is not only incorrect but also incredibly crass.

Sugerir tal cosa no solo es incorrecto sino también increíblemente grosero.

Correlative conjunction 'not only... but also'.

The philosopher argued that crass utilitarianism fails to account for the intrinsic value of life.

El filósofo argumentó que el utilitarismo grosero no tiene en cuenta el valor intrínseco de la vida.

Adjective modifying a philosophical term.

The novel is a scathing indictment of the crassness inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream.

La novela es una acusación mordaz de la grosería inherente a la búsqueda del sueño americano.

Noun 'crassness' followed by an adjective phrase.

One cannot help but recoil at the crassly manipulative tactics used by the marketing firm.

Uno no puede evitar retroceder ante las tácticas groseramente manipuladoras utilizadas por la firma de marketing.

Adverb 'crassly' modifying the adjective 'manipulative'.

The architecture was a monument to crass excess, devoid of any aesthetic restraint.

La arquitectura era un monumento al exceso grosero, desprovisto de cualquier moderación estética.

Noun phrase 'crass excess'.

Her critique was aimed at the crassly reductive nature of the current political discourse.

Su crítica se dirigió a la naturaleza groseramente reductiva del discurso político actual.

Adverb + adjective + noun.

The diplomat's crass intervention in the local affairs caused an international incident.

La grosera intervención del diplomático en los asuntos locales provocó un incidente internacional.

Possessive noun + adjective + noun.

The film's failure lies in its crass inability to distinguish between satire and mere vulgarity.

El fracaso de la película radica en su grosera incapacidad para distinguir entre la sátira y la mera vulgaridad.

Adjective modifying 'inability'.

He viewed the entire ceremony as a crass display of institutional vanity.

Vio toda la ceremonia como una exhibición grosera de vanidad institucional.

Verb 'viewed' + object + 'as'.

Häufige Kollokationen

crass commercialism

crass ignorance

crass behavior

crass remarks

crass materialism

crass stupidity

crass opportunism

crass indifference

crass joke

crass attempt

Häufige Phrasen

utterly crass

— Completely and totally insensitive or vulgar. Used for emphasis.

The way he treated the waiter was utterly crass.

crass in the extreme

— Extremely insensitive or vulgar. A formal way to emphasize the quality.

His disregard for the mourning family was crass in the extreme.

bordering on crass

— Almost insensitive or vulgar, but perhaps not quite there yet.

Her comments about the price of the gift were bordering on crass.

nothing but crass

— Used to say that something has no redeeming qualities and is only vulgar.

The reality show was nothing but crass entertainment.

crass and crude

— A common pairing to describe something that is both insensitive and unrefined.

The movie's humor was described as crass and crude.

crassly offensive

— Offensive in a way that shows a total lack of sensitivity.

The advertisement was deemed crassly offensive by the public.

crass display of

— A vulgar or insensitive showing of something, usually wealth or power.

It was a crass display of wealth that alienated his neighbors.

crass lack of

— A complete and offensive absence of a quality like sensitivity or tact.

The manager showed a crass lack of empathy for his staff.

avoid being crass

— A piece of advice to be more sensitive or refined.

You should try to avoid being crass when discussing politics.

labeled as crass

— When something is publicly called insensitive or vulgar.

The campaign was labeled as crass by several major newspapers.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

crass vs gross

Gross often refers to physical disgust, while crass refers to social or intellectual insensitivity.

crass vs curse

Completely different meaning; a curse is a bad word, crass is an insensitive attitude.

crass vs cross

Cross means angry or to go across; crass means insensitive.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"as crass as they come"

— Extremely crass; the perfect example of being insensitive.

Don't expect an apology from him; he's as crass as they come.

informal

"crass beyond belief"

— So insensitive that it is hard to believe someone would act that way.

His behavior at the wedding was crass beyond belief.

neutral

"the height of crassness"

— The most extreme example of being insensitive or vulgar.

Asking for a discount at a charity auction is the height of crassness.

formal

"crass to a fault"

— So insensitive that it is a major flaw in their character.

He is honest, but he is also crass to a fault.

neutral

"a crass move"

— An action that is particularly insensitive or tactless.

Firing him on his birthday was a really crass move.

informal

"crass through and through"

— Completely insensitive in every way.

The entire production was crass through and through.

neutral

"speak with crassness"

— To talk in a way that is vulgar and insensitive.

He spoke with such crassness that I had to leave the room.

formal

"crass commercial interest"

— A focus on money that ignores all other values.

The project was driven by crass commercial interest alone.

academic

"crassly indifferent"

— Showing a complete and offensive lack of concern.

The government was crassly indifferent to the plight of the poor.

formal

"crassly materialistic"

— Focused entirely on money and possessions in a vulgar way.

Our society has become crassly materialistic.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

crass vs vulgar

Both mean unrefined or low-class.

Vulgar often implies obscenity or lack of taste. Crass specifically implies a 'thick' lack of sensitivity to others' feelings.

A vulgar joke is dirty; a crass joke is told at a funeral.

crass vs tactless

Both involve saying the wrong thing.

Tactless is more about a mistake or lack of skill. Crass is more judgmental and implies a deeper character flaw or vulgarity.

He was tactless to forget her name, but crass to make fun of it.

crass vs rude

Both are negative social descriptors.

Rude is a general term for bad manners. Crass is much stronger and suggests a fundamental lack of intelligence and empathy.

It's rude to not say hello; it's crass to ask how much the hello cost.

crass vs boorish

Both describe unrefined behavior.

Boorish specifically suggests a lack of education or 'peasant-like' roughness. Crass is more about modern vulgarity and materialism.

His boorish eating habits were gross, but his crass comments about the poor were offensive.

crass vs philistine

Both describe a lack of refinement.

Philistine is specifically about a lack of appreciation for art and culture. Crass is broader and covers social behavior and empathy.

He's a philistine who hates opera, and he's crass for talking loudly during the performance.

Satzmuster

It was crass of [person] to [verb].

It was crass of him to mention her weight.

[Noun] is a display of crass [noun].

The party was a display of crass wealth.

The [noun] was criticized for its crass [noun].

The ad was criticized for its crass commercialism.

A crassly [adjective] [noun].

A crassly reductive argument.

Stop being so crass.

Stop being so crass and listen to me.

He is as crass as they come.

Don't expect manners from him; he is as crass as they come.

Nothing but sheer crassness.

The whole event was nothing but sheer crassness.

The crassness inherent in [noun].

The crassness inherent in the system is obvious.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

crassness

Adjektive

crass

Verwandt

gross

crude

vulgar

tactless

boorish

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frequency

Common in written English (journalism, literature), less common in daily spoken English.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'crass' to mean 'physically gross'. → Using 'gross' or 'disgusting'.
While the root means 'thick', in modern English, 'crass' is for behavior, not for a dirty room or spoiled food.
Confusing 'crass' with 'cross'. → Using 'cross' for 'angry'.
'I am crass with you' is incorrect. You should say 'I am cross with you'. 'Crass' is a description of a character trait or action.
Using 'crass' as a compliment for 'honesty'. → Using 'blunt' or 'direct'.
Some people think being 'crass' is just being 'honest', but 'crass' always implies a lack of sensitivity that is offensive.
Pronouncing it 'crase'. → Pronouncing it 'crass' (rhymes with 'mass').
The vowel is a short 'a'. A long 'a' sound will make the word unrecognizable to native speakers.
Using 'crass' to describe a simple mistake. → Using 'tactless' or 'clumsy'.
'Crass' is a very strong word. Forgetting a birthday is tactless; making a joke about the person getting old and useless is crass.

Tipps

Use for Social Critique

Crass is an excellent word for critiquing modern culture, especially when you feel things are becoming too focused on money and fame. It sounds more sophisticated than just saying 'it's bad'.

Learn the Collocations

Memorize 'crass commercialism' and 'crass ignorance'. These are the most common ways the word is used in professional and academic writing.

Be Careful with Direct Insults

Calling someone 'crass' to their face is a very strong insult. It's better to use it to describe an action ('That was a crass thing to do') rather than the person's entire character.

Use in Essays

In literature or sociology essays, use 'crass' to describe characters or systems that lack empathy and focus only on material gain. It shows a high level of vocabulary.

Short 'A' Sound

Make sure you use a short 'a' sound like in 'cat'. If you say it with a long 'a' like in 'face', people might not understand you.

Crass vs. Vulgar

Remember that 'vulgar' is about taste, while 'crass' is about sensitivity. A gold toilet is vulgar; asking a poor person why they don't just buy a gold toilet is crass.

Think 'Thick'

Whenever you forget the meaning, remember the Latin root 'crassus' (thick). A crass person is 'thick-headed' and can't 'feel' the social atmosphere.

Listen for Tone

When you hear 'crass' in a podcast or news report, listen to the speaker's tone. It is usually one of disapproval or even slight disgust.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't say 'crass and insensitive' too often, as 'crass' already implies insensitivity. Use it on its own for a sharper effect.

Noun Form

Use 'crassness' when you want to talk about the quality itself. 'The crassness of the movie was its downfall.' This is a very natural way to use the word.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of someone 'crashing' a funeral with a 'crass' joke. The 'crass' person 'crashes' the social mood because they are 'thick' (Latin root).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person wearing a giant, thick, gold chain that is so heavy they can't see the sad people around them. The 'thickness' of the chain represents 'crassness'.

Word Web

insensitive vulgar materialistic thick-headed tactless boorish unrefined crude

Herausforderung

Try to identify one 'crass' advertisement you see today. Write down why it is crass instead of just being a normal ad.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Latin word 'crassus', which literally meant 'thick', 'dense', or 'fat'. It entered the English language in the 16th century.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally used to describe physical thickness or coarseness, such as thick cloth or dense air.

It belongs to the Indo-European family, specifically the Italic branch via Latin.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using this word, as it is a strong personal judgment and can be very offensive.

In the UK, 'crass' is a very sharp insult. In the US, it is often used in media criticism.

The punk band 'Crass' chose their name specifically to be provocative and anti-establishment. F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' explores the crassness of the wealthy elite. The term 'crass commercialism' is famously used in 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Business

crass commercialism
crass opportunism
crass negligence
crass disregard for ethics

Social Etiquette

crass joke
crass remark
crass behavior
crass question

Art & Media

crass portrayal
crass humor
crass entertainment
crass simplification

Politics

crass appeal to voters
crass manipulation
crass ignorance of history
crass political move

Personal Character

crass personality
crass attitude
crass display of wealth
crass lack of empathy

Gesprächseinstiege

"Do you think modern holiday celebrations have become too focused on crass commercialism?"

"What is the most crass thing you have ever seen someone do at a formal event?"

"Is it possible for a joke to be funny and crass at the same time, or does the crassness ruin it?"

"How do you deal with people who make crass remarks in professional settings?"

"Do you think reality TV is inherently crass, or can it be a genuine reflection of society?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Reflect on a time when you might have accidentally said something crass. How did you feel afterward?

Write an essay about the impact of crass commercialism on our perception of traditional cultural values.

Describe a character in a book or movie who embodies the trait of crassness. What makes them that way?

Is 'crassness' a subjective term? Can something be crass to one person but perfectly acceptable to another?

How can we encourage more sensitivity and less crassness in our daily social interactions?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, 'crass' is almost exclusively used as a negative descriptor. It implies a lack of sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence that is offensive to others. There is virtually no context where being called 'crass' would be considered a compliment. It suggests that the person is behaving in a way that is beneath the standards of polite society.

While 'crass' can mean a lack of intelligence, it usually refers to a lack of *social* or *emotional* intelligence. A person could be a brilliant scientist but still be crass if they make insensitive jokes or behave vulgarly in social situations. However, the word often implies that the person is 'thick-headed' in a general sense because they cannot perceive basic social cues.

This is a very common phrase used to describe the practice of prioritizing profit over everything else, including human feelings, sacred traditions, or good taste. For example, if a company uses a national tragedy to sell a product, that is crass commercialism. It is a way of saying that the marketing is vulgar and insensitive to the human experience.

'Rude' is a general term for bad manners, like forgetting to say 'please'. 'Crass' is much stronger and more specific. It implies a vulgar, 'thick' insensitivity. If you don't hold the door for someone, you are rude. If you tell a joke about someone's dead relative to their face, you are crass. It involves a deeper lack of empathy.

It is not as common as 'rude' or 'mean' in everyday conversation. You are more likely to hear it among people with a high level of education or in formal settings like news reports, book reviews, and political debates. However, it is a very useful word when you want to express a high level of disapproval for someone's behavior.

It comes from the Latin word 'crassus', which means 'thick' or 'fat'. Originally, it was used to describe physical objects that were thick or coarse. Over time, it began to be used metaphorically to describe people who were 'thick-headed' or 'thick-skinned'—meaning they weren't sensitive enough to understand social nuances.

In modern English, it almost always describes behavior, remarks, or attitudes. You wouldn't usually call a physical object 'crass' unless you are talking about its design in a metaphorical way (e.g., 'a crassly designed building' meaning it is vulgar and tasteless). It requires a human element of insensitivity to truly apply.

Yes, 'crassly' is the adverb form of 'crass'. You can use it to describe how someone is acting or speaking. For example, 'He crassly interrupted the ceremony' or 'The situation was crassly handled by the management'. It is a common and correct way to use the word to modify an action.

The best opposites are 'refined', 'tactful', 'sensitive', and 'sophisticated'. A refined person has good taste and manners; a tactful person knows how to speak without offending; and a sensitive person cares about the feelings of others. All of these qualities are exactly what a crass person lacks.

Yes, 'crass humor' is a recognized category of comedy. It refers to jokes that are vulgar, insensitive, or based on 'low' topics like bodily functions or offensive stereotypes. While some people enjoy crass humor, it is often criticized for being unintelligent or mean-spirited. Whether it is 'funny' is a matter of personal taste.

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