blackguard \BLAG-uhrd\, noun:
1. A rude or unscrupulous person; a scoundrel.
2. A person who uses foul or abusive language.
3. Scurrilous; abusive; low; worthless; vicious; as, “blackguard language.”
4. To revile or abuse in scurrilous language.Monroe wondered, but did not ask, what could have driven a young lady of such fine bearing and aristocratic attraction to leave home at a tender age and follow the fortunes of a blackguard like Reynolds.
– William Safire, ScandalmongerBlackguard is from black + guard. The term originally referred to the lowest kitchen servants of a court or of a nobleman’s household. They had charge of pots and pans and kitchen utensils, and rode in wagons conveying these during journeys from one residence to another. Being dirtied by this task, they were jocularly called the “black guard.”
I first read this word and thought, “hey, that’s Kid when overheard muttering after being sent to her room for not listening to me.” She’s been heard to say such sweet nothings like, “STUPID Mommy!” and “She’s trying to destroy us all!!” (never short on drama at the Let the Dog In household).
But, then, as I read the origins of this word, I realized I am the blackguard.
And I even suspect the Dog as blackguard when she grumbles and moans when Kid comes near her with a scarf or hat (must it be a person using foul language?)….
Who’s the blackguard in your household?
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Let’s see . . .
Rude – yep.
Foul language – occassionally.
Scurrilous – particularly when tired.
I would say that I am most definitely the blackguard of our family. Fear me.
Brookes last blog post..How rockin’ is your church?
I don’t know if I’m the blackguard but I know that I must be the black sheep. My family tells me all the time…
Mikes last blog post..I’m Not Your Best Friend
We pretty much got the sweep in our house…heck, I think my whole family (brothers, cousins, parents) could be called that.
But only if it was done in a British accent. Then it sounds cool.
Dumblonds last blog post..Shifting focus
So, we’re all a bunch of blackguards! Glad to have company. Whether it’s cleaning the pots and pans or swearing, or both, now we have a new name for it.