Scabrous

Characterized by or causing roughness; especially: having a rough or uneven surface or covered with scales or small sharp points. It can also describe something that is indecent or indelicate, often concerning sex or morality, and thus likely to cause offense. The word implies a texture or subject matter that is considered unpleasant, crude, or difficult to deal with. Its usage often evokes a sense of unease or discomfort due to the nature of the topic. When describing a surface, it refers to a tactile experience of coarse imperfections, while when describing language or subject matter, it implies a degree of coarseness or indecency that may be shocking or taboo.

Scabrous meaning with examples

• The botanist carefully examined the scabrous leaves of the unknown plant, noting the tiny, sharp hairs covering their surface. She knew these features often indicated a defense mechanism against herbivores. The plant's scabrous texture made it challenging to handle without gloves, a reminder of the hidden dangers in the wilderness.
• The politician's attempt to address the sensitive issue of public corruption involved a scabrous description of the alleged crimes, intended to shock the audience into taking the situation seriously. Though necessary to expose the truth, the scabrous details caused many people to wince in discomfort. This risked losing public support.
• The old, leather-bound book had a scabrous cover, worn smooth in some places but retaining a coarse, uneven texture elsewhere, a testament to its many years of use and abuse. Its pages were also scabrous, with rough edges and occasional stains. This gave the book its charm and unique feel.
• The author's new novel contained a scabrous depiction of life in the slums, filled with gritty realism, explicit language, and harsh social commentary that did not shy away from the less savory aspects of humanity. It aimed to shock readers into understanding these experiences, even if they were scabrous to some.