vulgar
/bool-GAR/
vulgar
The word 'vulgar' can mean crude or tasteless, like this tacky plastic flamingo.
vulgar(adjective)
vulgar
?crude or tasteless
,crude
?rude language or behavior
tasteless
?lacking refinement
,obscene
?very offensive
📝 In Action
El presentador hizo un comentario muy vulgar y tuvo que disculparse.
B2The host made a very vulgar comment and had to apologize.
No me gustó la decoración; la encontré un poco vulgar.
C1I didn't like the decor; I found it a bit tasteless.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Form
As an adjective, 'vulgar' always stays the same regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'un chiste vulgar' and 'una broma vulgar'). Only the ending changes for plural: 'vulgares'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Stronger than 'Rude'
While similar to 'grosero' (rude), 'vulgar' often implies a stronger sense of indecency or lack of good taste, especially concerning sexual or excretory topics.
The word 'vulgar' can also mean common or ordinary, like this everyday pencil.
vulgar(adjective)
common
?ordinary or widespread
,popular
?relating to the general public
vernacular
?relating to the common language
📝 In Action
El latín vulgar evolucionó para formar las lenguas romances.
C1Vulgar Latin evolved to form the Romance languages.
Es un error de dominio vulgar que mucha gente acepta como verdad.
C2It is a common error that many people accept as truth.
💡 Grammar Points
Historical Context
This meaning reflects the word's original connection to the 'vulgus' (the common crowd or people). When you hear it in historical or linguistic contexts, it simply means 'of the people,' without the negative connotation.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vulgar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'vulgar' in the sense of 'common or ordinary'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'vulgar' always mean something offensive in Spanish?
No, while the most common modern meaning is 'offensive' or 'crude,' it can also be used formally or historically to simply mean 'common' or 'of the general populace.' Context is key!
Is 'vulgar' used often in Spain versus Latin America?
'Vulgar' is widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world with the primary meaning of 'crude' or 'tasteless.' However, regional words like 'ordinario' or 'chabacano' might be used more frequently in daily conversation.