Turpis
/ˈtʊər.pɪs/noun
An adjective describing something that is ugly, shameful, or disgraceful.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, 'turpis' was often associated with moral corruption and was used to describe acts that were not only ugly but socially abhorrent, linking physical appearance with moral failing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*twer-
“to twist or turn, implying a distortion or ugliness.”
Latin
Latin
turpis
“ugly, base, or shameful.”
Old French
Old French
turpe
“dishonorable or disgraceful.”
Middle English
Middle English
turpe
“shameful, ugly.”
Modern English
English
turpis
“a direct borrowing from Latin, maintaining its meaning of ugliness or disgrace.”
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