indelicate
Crude in manner
Indelicate describes something lacking tact, refinement, or sensitivity to social propriety.
An indelicate remark touches on subjects better left unmentioned in polite company—bodily functions, personal finances, someone's weight.
The word suggests mild impropriety rather than outright offense: It would be indelicate to ask how much she inherited.
Indelicate can also describe coarse or slightly vulgar behavior that falls short of truly crude.
Rough in texture
- vulgarCrude or indecent
- uncouthLacking good manners
- unrefinedNot processed or polished
- boorishCrudely ill-mannered
rough · earthy · lowbrow · base · crass · gross · uncivilized · inelegant
Inappropriate for the occasion
- unbecomingInappropriate or unsuitable
- inappropriateNot suitable or fitting
- indecorousViolating standards of propriety
- unsuitableNot fitting or appropriate
unfitting · undignified · ill-mannered · ill-bred · impolite · ungentlemanly · unladylike · shameless
Mildly indecent or inappropriate
- suggestiveHinting at impropriety
- bawdyHumorously indecent
- ribaldVulgarly amusing
- bluePrimary color; also sad
racy · lewd · salacious · titillating · naughty · spicy · raunchy · smutty
Unaware of others' emotions
- undiplomaticLacking tact or finesse
- inconsiderateLacking regard for others
- thoughtlessShowing no consideration
- indiscreetLacking prudent restraint
impolitic · unsubtle · clumsy · awkward · gauche · blundering · maladroit · ham-fisted
Directly honest in manner
- frankOpen and direct
- candidHonest and direct
- directUndeviating or to guide
- plain-spokenSpeaking without ornament
outspoken · unvarnished · unreserved · explicit · pointed · unequivocal · matter-of-fact · brusque
coarse
Rough in texture
boorish · rough · earthy · lowbrow · base · crass · gross · uncivilized · inelegant · unpolished
unseemly
Inappropriate for the occasion
- unbecomingInappropriate or unsuitable
- inappropriateNot suitable or fitting
- indecorousViolating standards of propriety
unsuitable · unfitting · undignified · ill-mannered · ill-bred · impolite · ungentlemanly · unladylike · shameless · scandalous
off-color
Mildly indecent or inappropriate
- suggestiveHinting at impropriety
- bawdyHumorously indecent
- ribaldVulgarly amusing
blue · racy · lewd · salacious · titillating · naughty · spicy · raunchy · smutty · indecent
insensitive
Unaware of others' emotions
- undiplomaticLacking tact or finesse
- inconsiderateLacking regard for others
- thoughtlessShowing no consideration
indiscreet · impolitic · unsubtle · clumsy · awkward · gauche · blundering · maladroit · ham-fisted · tone-deaf
forthright
Directly honest in manner
plain-spoken · outspoken · unvarnished · unreserved · explicit · pointed · unequivocal · matter-of-fact · brusque · curt
- rudenessrude, discourtesy, impolite, rudeness, disrespect
- risquerisque, racy, bawdy, ribald, suggestive
indelicatetactful
Socially sensitive and careful
diplomatic · discreet · considerate · sensitive · thoughtful
indelicateproper
Socially appropriate
decorous · seemly · decent · appropriate · becoming
indelicaterefined
Purified or cultured
tasteful · elegant · cultivated · polished · sophisticated