Ruffianly
/ˈrʌf.i.ən.li/noun
In the manner of a ruffian; violent, boisterous, or coarse.
Did you know?Ruffianly ultimately traces back to Latin *rūfus*, meaning “red,” because in medieval Europe “red-haired” could become a loaded label for a rough, dangerous outsider.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
rūfus
“red, reddish-haired”
Late Latin
Latin
*ruffianus
“a rough or violent fellow (source form for later Romance words)”
Old French
Old French
ruffian
“a disreputable man; bully; pimp”
16th Century
English
ruffian
“a brutal, violent, or lawless person”
16th–17th Century
English
ruffianly
“like a ruffian; coarse, violent, or boisterous”