This gigantic chalk earthwork is formally known as the Cerne Abbas Giant, but is best known by the moniker “rude man,” in reference to his gigantic genitalia. The figure can be found carved into chalk bedrock on a hillside in Dorset, England.
The figure is of indeterminate age, but is believed to date from the Iron age, and is probably a representation of the Celtic God In Dagda, a deity with similarities to the Greek Hercules. In 2008, there was some controversy caused when a promotional figure of cartoon character Homer Simpson was painted alongside the giant, causing a number of groups representing historical and pagan religious interests to object.
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| The giant as viewed from the air |
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Wikipedia “However the lack of earlier descriptions leads modern scholars to conclude that it may date from the 17th century, and perhaps originated as political satire.”
Monks lived just below the hill for centuries and frequently kept detailed journals but not one of them mentioned a man on the hill with a huge cock. It is more likely to be a political satire representing Oliver Cronwell as a Herculean style terrorist.
Most Celts wore little or nothing at the time so “Rude Man” was probably meant to brag or entice, but most likely to intimidate or taunt someone. (Or something,if you believe the UFO theorists!)
“Rude Man” should refer to his ‘erect’ status, not as ‘gigantic’. There’s a world of difference in meaning and symbolism.
The sentence does not (and is not meant to imply) that rude means ‘gigantic.” It just so happens that it is gigantic.