How to pronounce ruffian
Say it like RUHF-ee-un. Ruffian has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ruffian. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUHF
- ee
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ruffian pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RUHFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ruffian
American and British speakers say ruffian in essentially the same way: /ˈrʌfiən/ in the US and /ˈrʌfiən/ in the UK.
British respelling: RUHF-ee-un.
What does ruffian mean?
- A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.
- To play the ruffian; to rage; to raise tumult.
- Brutal, cruel, ruffianlike.“ruffian rage”
Where does ruffian come from?
From Middle French rufian, from Italian ruffiano (“pimp”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ruffian
How do you pronounce ruffian?
Say RUHF-ee-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈrʌfiən/. In British English it is /ˈrʌfiən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ruffian?
Ruffian has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHF). Broken into parts: RUHF · ee · un.
Do Americans and Brits say ruffian the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrʌfiən/ and the British form is /ˈrʌfiən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.