raw
Pronunciation: /rɔː/
adjective
- 1(of food) not cooked: raw eggs salsify can be eaten raw in salads
- (of a material or substance) in its natural state; unprocessed: raw silk raw sewage
- (of data) not analysed, evaluated, or processed for use: there were a number of errors in the raw data
- 2(of a part of the body) red and painful, especially as the result of skin abrasion: he scrubbed his hands until they were raw
- (of a person’s nerves) very sensitive: Fran’s nerves were raw
- 3(of an emotion or quality) strong and undisguised: he exuded an air of raw, vibrant masculinity
- frank and realistic in the depiction of unpleasant situations: a raw, uncompromising portrait
- US informal (of language) coarse or crude, typically in relation to sexual matters: his wife has led a campaign against raw lyrics in rock music
- 5new to an activity or job and therefore lacking experience or skill: they were replaced by raw recruits
Phrases
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don't come the raw prawn with me
- Australian informal don’t treat me like a foolish or gullible person: don’t come the raw prawn with me mate, I can get it at home for that price
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in the raw
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a raw deal
- informal a situation in which someone receives unfair or harsh treatment: pensioners have had a raw deal
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touch someone on the raw
- British upset someone by referring to a subject about which they are extremely sensitive: you’ve touched him on the raw—no man likes to have his driving criticized
Origin:
Old English hrēaw, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch rauw and German roh, from an Indo-European root shared by Greek kreas 'raw flesh'