The idiom "common decency" refers to the basic standards of good manners, respect, and courtesy expected from most people. It is often used to criticize someone who has behaved rudely, selfishly, or inconsiderately towards others.

In short:

• It means the basic norms of polite and respectful behavior.
  
• It suggests that decency should be common and not rare.

What Does "Common Decency" Mean?

The idiom "common decency" refers to the basic level of politeness, respect, honesty, and kindness that one should show others in society. It is based on the idea that everyone should follow some universal moral values or norms, regardless of their culture, religion, or personal preferences.

Some examples of common decency are:

• Helping someone in need or distress.
• Not lying, cheating, stealing, or harming others.
• Apologizing when you make a mistake or hurt someone's feelings.
• Respecting other people's opinions, beliefs, privacy, and property.
• Not being rude, abusive, discriminatory, or violent towards others.
• Saying "please" and "thank you" when requesting or receiving something.

Where Does "Common Decency" Come From?

The origin of the idiom "common decency" is unclear. However, it seems to date back to the 17th century. The word "decency" comes from the Latin word "decens," which means "fitting, proper, or becoming." The word "common" comes from the Latin word "communis," which means "shared by all or belonging to several." Together, they imply a sense of shared morality or propriety that applies to everyone.

10 Examples of "Common Decency" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

• She thanked him for his common decency and kindness.
• He lacked common decency and treated everyone rudely.
• She was shocked by his lack of common decency and honesty.
• Real talk: It's a matter of common decency to help those in need.
• He showed no common decency and left without saying goodbye.
• They violated the rules of common decency by cheating and lying.
• He had the common decency to apologize for his mistake. Great job.
• Good riddance. They praised him for his common decency and integrity.
• She expected him to show some common decency and respect her privacy.
• They appealed to his sense of common decency and asked him to reconsider.

Examples of "Common Decency" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• "Common Decency" is a short comedy thriller directed by Stefan Dezil and Courtney Hope Thérond. The plot revolves around Beth, upset that she was not invited to her ex-boyfriend Joe's wedding. She seeks revenge for this perceived betrayal and confronts him at his therapist's office.
• "Common Decency" is a song by E.em.K, a Filipino singer and songwriter. The song is about being respectful and kind to others, even when they are not.
• "Common Decency" is a novel by Susannah Dickey, a Northern Irish author. It was published in 2022 by Doubleday. The novel tells the story of two women who live in the same apartment building in Belfast but have very different lives. Their paths cross unexpectedly, and they learn about each other's secrets and struggles.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Common Decency"

Here are some synonyms and alternative ways to say this idiom:

• Basic courtesy
• Common courtesy
• Human dignity
• Moral compass
• Social conscience

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Common Decency"

Here are some common questions and answers about this idiom:

• What does "common decency" mean?

The idiom "common decency" refers to the basic standards of good manners, respect, and courtesy expected from most people.

• What is the origin of the phrase "common decency"?

The origin of the idiom "common decency" is unclear. However, it seems to date back to the 17th century. The word "decency" comes from the Latin word "decens," which means "fitting, proper, or becoming." The word "common" comes from the Latin word "communis," which means "shared by all or belonging to several." Together, they imply a sense of shared morality or propriety that applies to everyone.

• What is the opposite of "common decency"?

The opposite of "common decency" is indecency, which means the lack of good manners, respect, and morality. It also means the state of being offensive, obscene, or improper.

• Is "common decency" a legal term?

"Common decency" is not a legal term, but it is sometimes used in legal contexts to refer to the general standards of behavior expected from the public. For example, some laws prohibit acts of public indecency, such as nudity, sexual activity, or profanity in public places.

• Is "common decency" subjective or objective?

"Common decency" is subjective, depending on one's opinion, perspective, or culture. What is considered decent by one person or group may not be considered proper by another. For example, some cultures may have different dress, speech, or etiquette norms than others.

• Is "common decency" the same as "common courtesy"?

"Common decency" and "common courtesy" are similar but not the same. "Common courtesy" is a subset of common decency, one aspect of decent behavior. "Common courtesy" refers to polite and respectful ways of interacting with others, such as saying please, thank you, excuse me, etc. Common decency encompasses more than just courtesy; it includes honesty, fairness, kindness, and morality.

• Why is "common decency" essential?

"Common decency" is vital because it helps maintain a harmonious and civilized society. When people act with common decency, they show respect and consideration for others, regardless of their differences. They also uphold the values and principles essential for human dignity and rights. Common decency fosters trust, cooperation, and peace among people.

• Is "common decency" the same as politeness?

"Common decency" encompasses politeness but goes beyond it. While politeness focuses on manners and etiquette, "common decency" includes a broader sense of moral responsibility and ethical behavior.

• Is "common decency" a universal concept?

"Common decency" varies across cultures and societies, but some common threads connect different interpretations of decency, such as respect for others and a sense of fairness.

• Are there legal consequences for not practicing "common decency"?

"Common decency" is not a basis for legal consequences, but certain behaviors that violate common decency, such as harassment or discrimination, can lead to legal actions or consequences.

Final Thoughts About "Common Decency"

The idiom "common decency" is a critical concept affecting our daily lives and interactions. It refers to the basic standards of good manners, respect, and courtesy expected from most people.

Some key points to remember:

• It is often used to praise or criticize someone's behavior or to request or demand someone to act better.
• It has various synonyms with similar meanings, which can be used in different contexts and situations.
• It has appeared in various forms of popular culture, such as books, movies, songs, etc.
• It is essential because it helps maintain a harmonious and civilized society.