Social Etiquette Terms

noun a proper noun referring to a historical figure known for his fashion and style in the early 19th century

• Beau Brummel was a prominent figure in Regency England known for his impeccable fashion sense.
• Did you hear about Beau Brummel? He was the ultimate fashion icon back in the day.
• Beau Brummel was the OG style king of his time.
• Being called a Beau Brummel is the highest compliment for someone's fashion sense.

noun a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle

• As a bon vivant, he always seeks out the finest dining experiences.
• John is such a bon vivant, he's always up for a good time.
• That guy is a total bon vivant, always living it up.
• She approaches life with the attitude of a bon vivant, enjoying every moment to the fullest.

verb to face or confront boldly or shamelessly

adverb in a bold or shameless manner

• Despite being caught red-handed, the suspect tried to brazen out the accusations in court.
• She always tries to brazen out her mistakes by blaming others.
• He thought he could brazen out the situation by acting like he didn't care.
• The politician attempted to brazen out the scandal by denying any wrongdoing.

noun a state of disgrace or loss of reputation

verb to bring shame or disgrace upon

• Committing such an act would bring dishonor to your family.
• I can't believe he would do something to dishonor his reputation like that.
• She's always causing drama and trying to dishonor people for no reason.
• Choosing to cheat on the exam would be a dishonor to your own integrity.

adjective showing a lack of tact or consideration

• She avoided discussing indelicate topics in polite company.
• I can't believe he made such an indelicate comment at the dinner party.
• His joke was so indelicate, it made everyone uncomfortable.
• The way he handled the situation was indelicate, like a bull in a china shop.

adjective a word that describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun, in this case, 'loutish' describes someone who is uncouth or rude

• His loutish behavior at the dinner party was quite embarrassing.
• Don't invite him over, he can be so loutish sometimes.
• He's such a lout, always acting so loutish.
• His loutish attitude towards the project hindered its progress.

verb to treat something as unimportant or trivial

• It is inappropriate to make light of someone else's struggles.
• Don't make light of the situation, it's serious.
• She always makes light of everything, it's annoying.
• He tends to make light of his own mistakes to avoid feeling guilty.

noun a young woman who is a junior member of a social group or club, especially one who is considered to be inexperienced or immature

• The subdeb was known for her intelligence and poise at the social gathering.
• I heard that the subdeb is really good at playing the piano.
• The subdeb totally rocked that presentation!
• She was a subdeb in the world of finance, always making smart investments.

adjective not justified or deserved

preposition not expected or appropriate in a particular situation

• The rude comment made by the guest was completely uncalled for.
• I think his reaction was totally uncalled for.
• Dude, that was so uncalled for!
• Her behavior was like a storm, fierce and uncalled for.

adjective describing a situation where someone is not accompanied or supervised by a chaperone

• The children were not allowed to wander around unchaperoned.
• It's not safe for you to go there unchaperoned.
• I wouldn't go to that party unchaperoned, it's sketchy.
• She felt unchaperoned in the big city, overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle.

adjective lacking good manners, refinement, or grace

• His uncouth behavior at the formal dinner party was quite embarrassing.
• I can't believe how uncouth he was acting at the movie theater.
• She's always been a bit uncouth, but we love her anyway.
• The uncouth storm raged on, destroying everything in its path.

noun a remark or action that is unpleasant or offensive

adjective unpleasant or offensive in nature

• The meeting was going smoothly until John brought up an unpleasantry from the previous quarter.
• I don't want to talk about that unpleasantry with her, it's just too awkward.
• I can't believe he started that unpleasantry with her, what a jerk.
• The unpleasantry between them was like a dark cloud hanging over the room.

noun a fancy or luxurious lifestyle or appearance

verb to dress or behave in a fancy or extravagant manner

• The event was very upscale, with guests dressed to put on the ritz.
• Let's put on the ritz and go out for a fancy dinner tonight.
• We're going to put on the ritz and hit up the hottest club in town.
• She always puts on the ritz when she needs to impress someone.

adjective A term used to describe someone or something as arrogant, obnoxious, or pretentious.

• His behavior at the business meeting was considered douchey by many of his colleagues.
• I can't believe he made that douchey comment during the presentation.
• He's always acting so douchey around his friends.
• The way she treated her employees was just plain douchey.

noun a deliberate act or display of disrespect or insult

verb to offend or insult someone deliberately

• The ambassador considered the insult to be one of the greatest affronts to diplomacy.
• She was deeply hurt by his affronts to her character.
• I can't believe he had the nerve to throw those affronts at me!
• His disregard for the rules was a constant affront to authority.