GREAT UNWASHEDS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "great unwasheds" is a derogatory slang phrase that refers to the masses or common people who are perceived as unsophisticated, unrefined, or uncultured. The term is often used to express disdain or contempt towards a particular group or class of people, implying that they lack education, refinement, or proper manners.
The phrase is derived from the idea of personal hygiene. Historically, people who did not regularly bathe or maintain proper cleanliness were considered to be of lower social status. Therefore, "great unwasheds" figuratively denotes a group of people who are seen as beneath the standards of the upper classes in terms of both hygiene and social status.
The term is primarily used in a dismissive or belittling manner, reinforcing social divisions and hierarchies. It may be found in literature, political discourse, or colloquial conversations, but it is generally considered offensive and disrespectful. The usage of "great unwasheds" is often criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and class biases by ostracizing or diminishing the worth of those deemed less privileged.
In summary, "great unwasheds" is a pejorative phrase that derogatorily characterizes a group of people as unsophisticated, unrefined, or lacking in cultural or social refinement. It implies a lower social status and emphasizes class divisions based on perceived levels of cleanliness or hygiene.
Common Misspellings for GREAT UNWASHEDS
- great unswashed
- great unwasshed
- great unwashed
- freat unwasheds
- vreat unwasheds
- breat unwasheds
- hreat unwasheds
- yreat unwasheds
- treat unwasheds
- geeat unwasheds
- gdeat unwasheds
- gfeat unwasheds
- gteat unwasheds
- g5eat unwasheds
- g4eat unwasheds
- grwat unwasheds
- grsat unwasheds
- grdat unwasheds
- grrat unwasheds
- gr4at unwasheds
Etymology of GREAT UNWASHEDS
The term "great unwasheds" is a derogatory phrase used to refer to the lower social classes or the masses who were considered dirty or unclean. It is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century in Britain. The etymology of the term can be broken down into two parts:
1. "Great": In this context, "great" does not refer to something extraordinary or positive. Instead, it is used ironically or sarcastically to emphasize the inferior or unrefined nature of the group being referred to. The term "great" was commonly used in British slang as a pejorative way to describe something or someone of a lower class or unsophisticated.
2. "Unwasheds": The word "unwasheds" highlights the supposed lack of hygiene or cleanliness among the social class being referred to. It implies that these individuals did not adhere to proper bathing or grooming routines.
