Social Etiquette Vocabulary

noun a person who is considered to be a cad or a scoundrel

• The man was known in society as a bounder for his unscrupulous behavior.
• That guy is a real bounder, always trying to cheat his way through things.
• Watch out for that bounder, he's nothing but trouble.
• In the world of politics, he was considered a bounder for his deceitful tactics.

adjective free and relaxed in manner; unconstrained

adverb in a relaxed and casual manner

• The actress appeared calm and degage as she gracefully walked down the red carpet.
• She always looks so degage, like she doesn't have a care in the world.
• I wish I could be as degage as him, nothing seems to faze him.
• His writing style is so degage, it flows effortlessly and naturally.

adjective lacking in stylishness or neatness; shabby in appearance

• The dowdy attire of the librarian did not reflect her vibrant personality.
• She felt dowdy in her old sweatpants and oversized t-shirt.
• I can't believe she wore that dowdy outfit to the party.
• The once vibrant neighborhood had become dowdy and neglected over the years.

noun a social blunder or mistake, especially one that breaks accepted customs or etiquette

• She made a major faux pas by forgetting to address the guest of honor during her speech.
• It's a big faux pas to wear white to a wedding.
• If you don't want to commit a fashion faux pas, make sure to wear matching socks.
• His decision to invest all his money in one risky venture turned out to be a real faux pas.

noun a dull or boring person

• The elderly gentleman was often described as a fuddy duddy due to his traditional views.
• My aunt is such a fuddy duddy when it comes to technology, she still uses a flip phone.
• Don't be such a fuddy duddy, let's go out and have some fun!
• The company's outdated policies made it seem like a fuddy duddy in the fast-paced industry.

adjective lacking social grace, sensitivity, or acuteness; awkward; crude; tactless

• Her gauche attempt at making conversation during the business meeting was met with polite nods.
• He always feels a bit gauche at fancy parties, not sure how to act around all those important people.
• She felt so gauche wearing that outfit to the party, everyone else was dressed up much nicer.
• His social skills were so gauche, it was like watching a bull in a china shop.

adjective showing good manners; polite

• She always conducts herself in a very mannerly way, showing respect to everyone she meets.
• He's so mannerly, always holding the door open for others without being asked.
• I appreciate when people are mannerly, it shows they were raised right.
• The way she gracefully navigates through difficult situations is truly mannerly.

adjective characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning

• The obsequious servant eagerly awaited his master's next command.
• She always acts so obsequious around her boss, it's kind of annoying.
• I can't stand how obsequious he is, always sucking up to the teacher.
• The politician's obsequious behavior towards the wealthy donors was transparent to everyone.

noun a performance or action intended to please or impress someone

preposition to behave in a way that is intended to please or impress someone

• The politician tried to play up to the wealthy donors in order to secure more campaign funding.
• She always plays up to the boss to get ahead in her career.
• He's constantly playing up to the popular kids at school to fit in.
• The actor knows how to play up to the audience to keep them engaged during the performance.

adjective discourteous or impolite, especially in a deliberate way

• It is considered rude to interrupt someone while they are speaking.
• Don't be so rude to your sister, she just wants to play with you.
• Why are you being so rude to me all of a sudden?
• The storm was so rude, knocking down trees and causing chaos.

adjective a word that describes or gives more information about a noun, in this case 'uncordial' describes a lack of warmth or friendliness

• The atmosphere at the business meeting was quite uncordial, with tension palpable in the air.
• I could tell from their uncordial greetings that something was off between them.
• The party was so uncordial, I couldn't wait to leave.
• His uncordial demeanor was like a cold front moving in, chilling everyone around him.

adjective not in keeping with the current fashion or style; outdated

• The outdated dress style is considered unfashionable in high society.
• Wearing socks with sandals is so unfashionable.
• Those baggy jeans are totally unfashionable.
• His ideas on sustainability were seen as unfashionable at the time.

noun a person who does not drink alcohol

• The nondrinker politely declined the offer of wine at the dinner party.
• I didn't realize you were a nondrinker. I'll make sure to have some non-alcoholic options for you next time.
• She's a total nondrinker, doesn't touch a drop of alcohol.
• In a world full of chaos, he was like a nondrinker, always maintaining his composure and clarity of mind.

noun a person's grandson or granddaughter by a previous marriage of a step-parent

• My step-grandson will be joining us for dinner tonight.
• I'm excited to hang out with my step-grandson later.
• My step-grandson is a cool dude.
• Watching my step-grandson grow up has been like witnessing a beautiful flower bloom.

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun

• The speaker's attempt at humor fell flat when he made a bad joke during the conference.
• I can't believe you just made that bad joke in front of everyone.
• That was such a cringy bad joke, dude.
• Her comment about the situation being a bad joke was a metaphor for how ridiculous it was.