truculence
TRUK-yuh-lunss
/ˈtrʌk.jə.ləns/
the quality of being eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.
Truculence is a specific kind of aggression that is surly, fierce, and often destructive. It suggests a 'don't mess with me' attitude.
The story behind the word. Truculence comes from the Latin 'truculentus', which is derived from 'trux', meaning 'fierce' or 'savage'. It has always carried the connotation of a wild, untamed aggression.
Word relationships
- defiance: Defiance is a refusal to obey; truculence is a fierce readiness to fight back.
- ferocity: Ferocity is extreme fierceness; truculence is the personality trait of being fierce and ready to fight.
- amiability: Amiability is a friendly and pleasant manner.
- gentleness: Gentleness is being mild and calm.
Commonly confused with
- turbulence: Turbulence is physical or social disorder/shaking; truculence is a personal trait of aggression.
Word family
- truculent (adjective): eager to fight; fierce
Collocations
- surly truculence
- youthful truculence
- defiant truculence
Example sentences
- "The boy's truculence made it impossible for the teachers to reach him." Describing a rebellious teenager.
- "The truculence of the wild boar surprised the hunters." Describing a fierce animal.
Memory hook
Think of a 'truck' driving through a fence. A 'truc-ulent' person is as destructive and fierce as a runaway truck. Truculent = Truck-like force.
When not to use
Do not use for a sophisticated or calculated opposition; truculence is more raw and animalistic.
Fun facts
- The word was once used to describe the 'truculent' look of a storm cloud.
Related words
Explore more words
truculent, recalcitrant, irascible, intransigence, polemic, rancorous
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