scurrilous
UK[ˈskʌrələs]US[ˈskɜːrələs]
adj
making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intent to damage their reputation.
adj
humorously insulting in a coarse or vulgar way.
Morpheme Breakdown
scurril
ous
scurril
buffoon
ous
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'scurrilous' traces its lineage to the latin scurra, denoting a professional jester or buffoon known for coarse, mocking humor. this term passed into english via the latin adjective scurrilis, meaning "buffoon-like." the original sense pertained to the vulgar and insulting jesting characteristic of such entertainers. over time, the meaning specialized to focus on the malicious intent behind such humor, evolving into its modern sense of making grossly abusive, slanderous, or scandalous statements.
Analysis
Structure: scurril (buffoon) + ous (adjective suffix)
scurril (from latin scurrilis, meaning "buffoon-like, jesting," from scurra, "a buffoon, jester"); ous (english adjective-forming suffix, from latin -osus, meaning "full of, characterized by").
Examples
the article was filled with scurrilous attacks on the candidate's character.
he was known for his scurrilous wit, often offending guests at the dinner party.
the lawsuit accused the magazine of publishing scurrilous lies.