Bawdy: meaning, definitions and examples

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bawdy

 

[ ˈbɔːdi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

humorous content

Bawdy refers to humor that is sexually suggestive, indecent, or lewd in nature. It often includes jokes or stories that deal with sexual matters in a coarse or irreverent manner. Bawdy humor is frequently found in comedy performances, literature, and even in casual conversation where people might feel comfortable discussing risqué topics. While it may be funny to some, it can also be offensive or inappropriate in certain contexts.

Synonyms

indecent, lewd, obscene, risque, rude

Examples of usage

  • The play was filled with bawdy jokes that made the audience laugh loudly.
  • Her bawdy remarks often took others by surprise during the meeting.
  • Bawdy ballads were popular in the taverns of the past.
  • The comedian specialized in bawdy humor that pushed the boundaries of decency.

Translations

Translations of the word "bawdy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obsceno

🇮🇳 अश्लील

🇩🇪 obszön

🇮🇩 cabul

🇺🇦 непристойний

🇵🇱 nieprzyzwoity

🇯🇵 下品な

🇫🇷 obscène

🇪🇸 obsceno

🇹🇷 ayıp

🇰🇷 음란한

🇸🇦 فاسق

🇨🇿 obscénní

🇸🇰 neprístojný

🇨🇳 猥亵的

🇸🇮 neprimeren

🇮🇸 ósiðlegt

🇰🇿 әдепсіз

🇬🇪 არასწორი

🇦🇿 münafiq

🇲🇽 obsceno

Etymology

The term 'bawdy' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the word 'bawd', which meant a person who is involved in sexual promiscuity, particularly one who manages prostitutes. The word 'bawd' itself is thought to come from the Old French 'baude', which referred to a woman who was immoral or engaged in lewd behavior. This pejorative connotation transitioned into the adjective 'bawdy', which began to describe anything that is indecent or deals with sexual matters in a humorous or playful way. Through the centuries, bawdy humor has been a significant part of literature, especially during the Renaissance when writers and playwrights, such as Shakespeare, incorporated it into their works to entertain and engage audiences. Today, 'bawdy' remains associated with comedy that explores the lighter, albeit risqué, side of sexuality.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,984, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.