Rough as auld nails

n.

Heard in Kilkenny

Extremely uncouth or lacking in refinement.

Well that one is as rough as auld nails!

Posh English

That particular lady is utterly devoid of refinement.

Related terms

• As rough as horserockVery unkempt or rough-looking.
• Rough as a badgers arseUnkempt, unattractive or rough in appearance.
• Rough as grade A sandpaperExtremely rough or unattractive in appearance, likened to heavy-grade sandpaper.
• As rough as a bear's bumExtremely uncouth or uncivilised in manner.
• Coffin nailsCigarettes, viewed as shortening one's life.
• Tuffis nailsExtremely tough and hardy, possessed of great physical resilience.