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Old 12-Feb-2008, 08:09
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Default what means "rough around the edges"?

the dictionary says: "If someone is rough around the edges, they haven't mastered something, though they show promise."

But I have heart this expression in other contexts:

1. if s.o. does not feel well, a bit frayed maybe, for example because of a hang over

2. if s.o. is not very sophisticated, distinguished, but unpolished and without manners

Which is the right meaning? And/Or are there difficulties in AE and BE?
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Old 12-Feb-2008, 08:31
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Default Re: what means "rough around the edges"?

I'm British. As far as I am concerned both of your definitions are fine and so is the one you found in the dictionary. I feel that the base meaning is unpolished/unsophisticated somehow not quite 100%.
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Old 04-Apr-2008, 01:00
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Default Re: what means "rough around the edges"?

in the US we generally use it to mean "unpolished"
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Old 04-Apr-2008, 03:28
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Default Re: what means "rough around the edges"?

When we describe someone as being "rough around the edges," it's a polite way of saying that his manners aren't as well-honed as they should be.
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Old 04-Apr-2008, 05:48
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Default Re: what means "rough around the edges"?

As a Brit, but not a teacher, I would not, personally, have used it in the context of someone who was a bit frayed or fragile as a result of a hangover.

I would, however agree with Ouisch on the 2nd sentence.

Hope this helps
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