scoundrels
word · lemma: scoundrel
Definition
People who behave dishonestly or have bad intentions, often in a playful or joking way, but sometimes seriously bad.
Usage & Nuances
'Scoundrels' is mildly old-fashioned or humorous, often used playfully for mischievous people but can be serious for truly dishonest people. More formal than 'rascals', less strong than 'villains' or 'criminals'. Rare in everyday conversation.
Spanish: sinvergüenzas - bribonesPortuguese (BR): canalhas - patifesPortuguese (PT): canalhas - patifesChinese (Simplified): 无赖 - 恶棍Chinese (Traditional): 無賴 - 惡棍Hindi: धूर्त लोग - बदमाशArabic: الأوغاد - الأشرار
Example Sentences
The police are looking for the scoundrels who stole the bike.
basic
Some scoundrels cheated in the card game.
basic
The old movie was about two clever scoundrels.
basic
Those scoundrels tried to sell fake tickets to the concert.
natural
My brothers are such scoundrels—always playing tricks on me.
natural
Can you believe those scoundrels tried to blame it on us?
natural