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Ribaldry: meaning, definitions and examples

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ribaldry

 

[ ˈrɪbəltri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

humorous speech

Ribaldry refers to irreverent or coarse humor, often characterized by vulgar or indecent remarks or actions. It is often aimed at mocking or jesting, usually in a playful or raucous manner.

Synonyms

coarseness, obscenity, profanity, vulgarity.

Examples of usage

  • The comedian was known for his ribaldry that often left the audience in stitches.
  • During the party, the ribaldry of the guests prompted many scandalized gasps.
  • His ribaldry was not appreciated by all, as some found it too vulgar for the occasion.

Translations

Translations of the word "ribaldry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ribaldaria

🇮🇳 अश्लीलता

🇩🇪 Obszönität

🇮🇩 kebobrokan

🇺🇦 недоречність

🇵🇱 wulgaryzm

🇯🇵 卑猥さ

🇫🇷 obscénité

🇪🇸 obscenidad

🇹🇷 edepsizlik

🇰🇷 외설

🇸🇦 فحش

🇨🇿 vulgárnost

🇸🇰 vulgárnosť

🇨🇳 猥亵

🇸🇮 vulgarizem

🇮🇸 ósiðlegheit

🇰🇿 жалаңаштық

🇬🇪 ბარბარიზმი

🇦🇿 əxlaqsızlıq

🇲🇽 obscenidad

Etymology

The word 'ribaldry' originated from the Middle English term 'ribald', which referred to a lewd or debauched person. The term comes from the Old French word 'ribald', meaning 'a scoundrel' or 'a rascal', and has roots in the Old High German 'ribilti', meaning 'to be good for nothing'. The evolution of the term reflects a cultural shift where ribaldry came to be associated more with comedic contexts rather than merely derogatory depictions of individuals. By the late 15th century, the term had solidified its place in English vocabulary, capturing both the allure and shock of crude humor in entertainment. Over the centuries, ribaldry has been a part of literature and theater, frequently used by playwrights and writers to provoke laughter as well as to challenge social norms surrounding decency.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,425 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.