Describing a person as ‘rough’

[hannall]

I think this is incredibly offensive, yet I hear people do this all the time! Oh Sandra, she’s nice but a bit rough. Oh Eric, be careful he’s a big rough!

What does it even mean? I can’t actually believe how often I hear it and people don’t seem to think twice about using that description!

In the words of Chubby Brown
They fart, sick cocks, are riddled with pox and basically a cunt.

It probably means different things to different people. I would use 'rough' to describe someone who gets aggressive easily, whether that's shouting or physical aggression.

Using 'rough' to describe someone nice but lower class, sounds rude and snobby to me.

Rough has more than one meaning. It can mean uncivilised/common, but it can also mean ugly.

Rough, rough around the edges - unpolished.

Doesn't behave or dress appropriately for the scenario, shouts, swears, aggressive, doesn't value arts or education.

In my disadvantaged area I am not rough despite being a single parent, I earn well for my area and I value education, I never shout or swear, I know how to dress and behave in the places I visit.

If I was associating with aristocrats I probably would be considered rough, single parent living on a council estate, degrees from non-RG and OU. I wouldn't have a clue about the unspoken societal rules they have and are innate to them, I am not well travelled, ever been skiing or horse riding, never been to polo or other upper class places. So would be unpolished in that setting

I don't think the area I live in as rough, I've never had any real issues and would happily walk around in the dark but I got picked up by someone from work for an evening out and they locked their car door whilst being parked. I would do the same in what I consider the rougher area in the nearby seaside town so it's relative to you.