German word

skurril

Pronunciation

IPA/skʊˈʁiːl/

Meaning

  • adjectivebizarre

Example

Das Verhalten war skurriler als erwartet.

The behavior was more bizarre than expected.

Illustration for skurril (bizarre)

More examples

Das Kapitel enthielt ein skurriles Detail.

The chapter contained a bizarre detail.

Core concept

A person or situation that seems out of place, draws attention, and carries a faintly comic touch.

Common phrases

  • ein skurriles Detail

    a bizarre detail

  • mit skurrilem Humor

    with bizarre humor

  • skurril anmuten

    seem bizarre

Similar words

merkwürdig: Unusual in a puzzling way that creates a sense of oddness or unease.
seltsam: Strange because it is unfamiliar, provoking surprise or wonder.
bizarr: So extreme and abnormal that ordinary explanations seem inadequate.

Definition in German

Ungewöhnlich und auffallend seltsam, oft leicht komisch oder bizarr.

Word origin

The German adjective goes back to Latin scurrilis, meaning 'like a jester', from scurra, meaning 'jester' or 'buffoon'.

Usage tips

  • English 'scurrilous' is a false friend because it means abusively insulting or vulgar, not bizarre.

Other meanings

  • quirkyadjective
  • eccentricadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Skurrilitätbizarrenessnoun
  • skurrilerweisebizarrelyadverb

Word lists with this word