bastards
word · lemma: bastard
Definition
Originally, 'bastards' means children born to parents who were not married to each other, but this meaning is now old-fashioned and can sound offensive. Much more often, it is used as an insult for people considered cruel, unpleasant, or unfair.
Usage & Nuances
This is a strong, offensive word in many contexts. In modern English, the insult meaning is far more common than the literal one. Tone matters: it can express real anger ('Those bastards!') or, among close friends in some varieties of English, rough humor ('You lucky bastard'). Learners should use it carefully because it is rude.
Example Sentences
Those bastards took my bike.
basic
He called them bastards after the game.
basic
In old books, bastards can mean children born outside marriage.
basic
Those bastards knew exactly what they were doing.
natural
We were freezing outside while those bastards stayed inside drinking coffee.
natural
Lucky bastards — they got front-row tickets for free.
natural