ろくでなし
ろくでなし
noun
good-for-nothing; scoundrel; worthless person
1.
good-for-nothing; scoundrel; worthless person
A strong insult for someone considered useless, irresponsible, or morally worthless. Often used by frustrated family members or in dramatic contexts.
あいつはろくでなしだ。
That guy is a good-for-nothing.
ろくでなしの息子が借金を作った。
My good-for-nothing son racked up debts.
父親はろくでなしで、家族の面倒を見ようとしなかった。
The father was a deadbeat who made no effort to take care of his family.
USAGE:
ろくでなし is a strong negative label for a person who is seen as worthless or irresponsible. It is commonly used when expressing frustration or contempt.
ETYMOLOGY:
From ろく (碌, meaning "satisfactory" or "decent") + でなし ("not being"). Literally "one who is not decent."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ろくでなしの亭主 (a good-for-nothing husband)
- ろくでなしと呼ばれる (to be called a scoundrel)
SIMILAR WORDS:
ろくでもない is the adjectival form meaning "worthless" or "no good" and is more commonly used as a modifier. ごくつぶし also means a useless person, particularly someone who eats without contributing.