Discourteous
/dɪsˈkɜːrtiəs/noun
Lacking politeness or good manners.
Did you know?The prefix *dis-* often signals reversal or negation, and *courteous* comes from courtly behavior—so the word literally marks someone as outside the polished rules of the royal court.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
cortēs / cohors
“A court, yard, or enclosed space associated with a ruler's household.”
Old French
OFr
cortois
“Courteous, refined, courtly.”
Middle English
ME
curteis / courteous
“Polite, well-mannered, of courtly behavior.”
14th Century
English
discourteous
“Not courteous; rude or lacking in courtly manners.”
Modern English
English
discourteous
“Lacking politeness or good manners.”