Relationshop > Brown’s Dictionary > Mean

definition of mean

an original definition by J. E. Brown

mean

adj.

1. Said of an action: Seeming intentionally, deliberately cruel, and calculated to display contempt for someone and/or to flout someone’s feelings or boundaries. {Source: “Definition of Mean” by J. E. Brown.}
2. Said of a person’s character: Having a tendency to commit mean actions. A character flaw.
3. archaic a. Of poor, average, middling, or unremarkable quality. b. Of low birth or status.
4. adj., ambiguous compliment, indirect compliment: Said of someone who is enviably competent (skillful) and confident and who could probably defeat you in a competition or contest: “He’s a mean cook.” Possibly evolved from the early modern English forms like “He’s no mean cook,” which would have been the correct idiom in olden days.

I disagree with NOAD’s definitions of “mean”, including the way they explain the “mean cook” example.

Synonyms: {You’re reading “Definition of Mean” by J. E. Brown.}

• malicious.

Antonyms:

• considerate; friendly; kind; thoughtful.

Related Concepts: {Read this comp1ete article at http://jebrown.us/Relationshop/Definitions/mean.html .}

• arbitrariness; boundaries; bullying; contempt; cruelty; dislike at first sight; disregard; sarcasm; spite; verbal abuse; You Can Do No Right Syndrome (YCDNR).

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meanness

n.

1. The quality of being mean.