Definition of barbarous

The word "barbarous" originates from ancient Greece and Rome. In both cultures, "barbarous" was used to describe a person who speaks a language that is unintelligible or foreign. The term was often used to label non-Greek or non-Roman speakers as uncivilized or savage. The Greek word "barbaros" (βαρβαρός) was derived from the sound of non-Greek languages, as the Greek people believed that the sounds made by these languages sounded like "bar-bar-bar" to their ears. Over time, the connotations of the word "barbarous" expanded to describe not just language, but also customs, behavior, and culture. In modern English, "barbarous" typically carries a negative sense, implying cruelty, violence, and a lack of civilization. Despite its origins, the word "barbarous" is no longer used to describe specific languages, but rather to describe actions or behaviors that are considered uncivilized or brutal.