vile person; person of low status
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
person of low status; inferior person (historical)
archaicIn ancient contexts, it referred to commoners or people of lower social rank (opposite of 君子, 'nobleman'). It was also a self-deprecating term. This sense is now archaic/historical.
In ancient times, there was a vast difference in status between the noblemen and the commoners.
I dare not (said humbly by someone of low status).
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Women and servants are the most difficult to deal with. (a famous, contentious quote from Confucius)
noun
vile person; petty villain; scoundrel
derogatoryRefers to a person with a despicable character, who is scheming, opportunistic, or lacks integrity. Often used in opposition to 君子 (a noble or virtuous person).
After gaining power, he turned into a scoundrel, ungrateful and unrighteous.
Stabbing someone in the back like this is truly the act of a vile person.
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Keep close to virtuous people and stay away from villains.
The noble man is calm and at ease; the petty man is always anxious. (Another Confucian saying.)