Quiz: "crude" or "rude"?

The correct answer is: rude

We don't need to worry about the manufacturing sector. It's in rude health.

Usually, the word rude is used to refer to impolite behaviour. In the UK, the word is also used with a different meaning. When someone is in rude health, that person is very healthy, sturdy and robust. The same expression is used to talk about companies or industries.

While many industries are having problems recovering from the economic crisis, the UK manufacturing sector is in rude health. This November, it grew at its fastest rate for 16 years. The Engineering Employers Federation even forecasts that manufacturing will outperform the rest of the UK economy next year. The sector's rude health is in large part due to strong demand from overseas customers. Further growth, therefore, depends on the recovery of overseas markets. Lee Hopley, chief economist of the Engineering Employers Federation, is optimistic about the future. "Manufacturers are ending the year on a high and should enter 2011 on a strong footing," he told BBC News.

rude = unhöflich, unverschämt

be in rude health = kerngesund sein

The word crude is used to describe something that is in an unrefined, natural or raw state, or something that lacks taste or sophistication. You might also be familiar with the term "crude oil".

"This is still a only a crude sketch. We'll improve it for the presentation tomorrow.”

crude = grob, roh, geschmacklos

crude oil = Erdöl, Rohöl