Truculent

Adjective

Definition: Eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.

Definition: Cruel or savage; savage in behavior or attitude.

Synonyms: Belligerent, Combative, Aggressive, Pugnacious, Bellicose

Antonyms: Friendly, Peaceful, Amicable, Pacifist, Conciliatory

Examples:

The truculent man picked fights with everyone in the bar.
The truculent football team showed no mercy towards their opponents.

Mnemonics:

Think of a truculent person as someone ready to truce (fight).
Remember that truculent sounds similar to "tricky" and "violent."

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "truculent" comes from the Latin word "truculentus," which means fierce or savage.

Historical Usage:

The word has been in use since the late 16th century and has maintained its meaning as aggressively defiant or savage in behavior.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Put up a truculent front"

Explanation:

To act aggressively or defiantly in order to intimidate or discourage others.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "truculent" with "truculence."

Explanation:

"Truculent" is the adjective form, while "truculence" is the noun form. They have related meanings, but "truculent" refers to the aggressive or defiant behavior itself, while "truculence" refers to the quality or state of being truculent.