noun
rube
roob
Rube (noun) means (informal, often derogatory) An unsophisticated or naive person, especially someone from the countryside. Example: “The con artist figured the tourists were easy rubes to fool.”
noun
1
(informal, often derogatory) An unsophisticated or naive person, especially someone from the countryside.
"The con artist figured the tourists were easy rubes to fool."
How to use rube
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dismissive term for someone seen as unsophisticated, gullible, or easily fooled.
When to use it
Informal and somewhat insulting — best avoided in polite or formal contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- rubes
Fill the gap
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The con artist figured the tourists were easy _____ to fool.
Etymology
From the personal name Rube (a nickname for Reuben), which became a generic term for a simple country person.
Related words
Rhymes for rube
See all rhymes for rube →Frequently asked questions
What does “rube” mean?
The word “rube” means (informal, often derogatory) An unsophisticated or naive person, especially someone from the countryside. In plain terms, a dismissive term for someone seen as unsophisticated, gullible, or easily fooled.
How do you pronounce “rube”?
“Rube” is pronounced roob (/ɹuːb/ in IPA).
How do you use “rube” in a sentence?
Here is “rube” used in a sentence: “The con artist figured the tourists were easy rubes to fool.”
What part of speech is “rube”?
“Rube” is a noun.
