subs. phr. (society).—Conduct not in keeping with a conventional standard; vulgarity.
1882. Punch. ETON BOY. What an awful lot of energy you’ve got, uncle! UNCLE. Pretty well, my boy, for my time of life, I think! E. B. Yes! but energy’s such awful BAD FORM, you know!
1886. North American Review, cxlii. 621. They are taught that to become emotional or enthusiastic over anything is BAD FORM.
1889. Answers, 23 Feb., 205. 3. He’s awfully BAD FORM—a regular cad, you know.
