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scoundrel

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A dishonest or contemptible person deserving moral condemnation.

Detailed Definition
Scoundrel is a flexible term of abuse found across poetic traditions, used to mark ethical failure or betrayal. In poetry, it often appears in moments of moral judgement or emotional intensity, sharpening conflict between characters. The word’s blunt force allows poets to express outrage, satire, or righteous anger with clarity and dramatic emphasis.
Example
Example in poetry:
The scoundrel swears loyalty with a lying tongue; Verse brands the scoundrel plain for all to see; His shadow stains each promise made; Poets sharpen truth by naming scoundrels so
Additional Notes
Scoundrel is a strong ethical label marking betrayal or cruelty. Poets deploy it when moral clarity is needed, especially in denunciation or satire. Unlike lighter insults, scoundrel leaves little room for redemption. It reinforces poetry’s role as a moral voice capable of public judgement.
Also Known As
Villain Wretch Miscreant cullion knave rampallion
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