Which adjective describes language that is coarsely abusive or vulgar?

The adjective that describes language that is coarsely abusive or vulgar is scurrilous. This term specifically refers to language that is intended to harm someone's reputation by being offensive or insulting. It often encompasses vulgarity and abusive content, making it the right choice in this context.

The other options convey different meanings: "profane" refers to language that is disrespectful or irreverent, often associated with swearing or cursing, but may not necessarily convey the same level of intentional abuse as scurrilous. "Elegant" describes language that is graceful and refined, which is the opposite of coarseness. "Pedantic" refers to a tendency to be overly concerned with formal rules or literal meaning, particularly in teaching, and does not relate to the idea of abusive or vulgar language. Thus, scurrilous is the most accurate term to capture the essence of coarsely abusive language.