canaille

[ka-nahy; French ka-nah-yuh]

canaille Definition

• 1. a contemptible, mean or cowardly person
• 2. the common people; the masses

Using canaille: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "canaille" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He was a canaille who would do anything for money.

• Example

  The canaille were protesting in the streets.

• Example

  The aristocrats looked down on the canaille with disdain.

canaille Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for canaille

• riffraff
• scum
• trash
• peasantry
• mob

Antonyms for canaille

• aristocracy
• elite

Phrases with canaille

• la canaille

  the rabble; the common people

  Example

  La canaille was revolting against the monarchy.

• canaille dorée

  the gilded riffraff; the nouveau riche

  Example

  The canaille dorée were flaunting their wealth at the party.

• canaille de quartier

  the neighborhood scum

  Example

  The canaille de quartier were causing trouble again.

Origins of canaille

from French 'canaille', meaning 'rabble'

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Summary: canaille in Brief

'Canaille' [ka-nahy; French ka-nah-yuh] refers to a contemptible or cowardly person, or the common people. It is often used to describe the lower classes or those considered undesirable, as in 'The aristocrats looked down on the canaille with disdain.' 'Canaille' has phrases like 'la canaille,' which means the rabble or common people, and 'canaille dorée,' referring to the nouveau riche.