Associations to the word «Ruffian»

Wiktionary

RUFFIAN, noun. A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
RUFFIAN, noun. (obsolete) A pimp; a pander.
RUFFIAN, noun. (obsolete) A lover; a paramour.
RUFFIAN, verb. To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.
RUFFIAN, adjective. Brutal; cruel; savagely boisterous; murderous.

Dictionary definition

RUFFIAN, noun. A cruel and brutal fellow.

Wise words

The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.
Mark Twain