bastard
Bastard (noun) means (offensive or informal) A thoroughly unpleasant, spiteful, or contemptible person. Example: “He's a real bastard to work for.”
How to use bastard
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA strong insult for an unpleasant person, an old-fashioned term for a child born outside marriage, or (informally) a way to describe something maddeningly difficult.
Considered a swear word in most contexts; avoid in formal or professional writing. The "illegitimate birth" sense is now dated and can be seen as offensive.
Word forms
more bastard comparative, bastarded past tense, bastards plural, Bastards plural, bastards singular, most bastard superlative
Etymology
From Old French bastart, "illegitimate child," probably from a Frankish word for an irregular union combined with the pejorative suffix -art.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “bastard” mean?
The word “bastard” means (offensive or informal) A thoroughly unpleasant, spiteful, or contemptible person. In plain terms, a strong insult for an unpleasant person, an old-fashioned term for a child born outside marriage, or (informally) a way to describe something maddeningly difficult.
How do you pronounce “bastard”?
“Bastard” is pronounced BAHS-tuhd (/ˈbæs.tɚd/ in IPA).
How do you use “bastard” in a sentence?
Here is “bastard” used in a sentence: “He's a real bastard to work for.”
What is another word for “bastard”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bastard” include bantling, bastardling, bastid, batchelor's son, by-blow and degenerate.
What is the opposite of “bastard”?
The opposite of “bastard” — its antonyms — is legitimate.
What part of speech is “bastard”?
“Bastard” is a noun.
Where does the word “bastard” come from?
The word “bastard” comes from Old French. From Old French bastart, "illegitimate child," probably from a Frankish word for an irregular union combined with the pejorative suffix -art.
Is “bastard” a common word?
“Bastard” is a fairly common word in modern English.